Background~Treatment with statins has a class I indication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but is often discontinued by patients due to side effects.~Pharmacologic alternatives shown to be useful after PCI include ezetimibe and nutraceuticals (i.e. compounds derived from foods with cholesterol lowering actions).~It remains unknown, however, which of these two therapeutic approaches is more effective after PCI.~Purpose~The primary objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and tolerability of ezetimibe vs. a nutraceutical-based protocol in statin-intolerant patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention.~Study Population~Patients with coronary artery disease in stable conditions treated with percutaneous coronary intervention who have withdrawn statin treatment due to side effects~Randomization~Patients will be randomized to receive for 6 months either ezetimibe (10 mg/day) or a commercially available nutraceutical combined pill (1 capsule/day containing monacolin K 10 mg, policosanol 10 mg, and phytosterols 300 mg).
Treatment with statins has a class I indication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but is often discontinued by patients due to side effects.~Pharmacologic alternatives shown to be useful after PCI include ezetimibe and nutraceuticals (i.e. compounds derived from foods with cholesterol lowering actions).~It remains unknown, however, which of these two therapeutic approaches is more effective after PCI.~The primary objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and tolerability of ezetimibe vs. a nutraceutical-based protocol in statin-intolerant patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention.