@article{23279,
  author = {Webster Ruth and Selak Vanessa},
  title = {Polypills for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: effective in improving adherence but are they safe?},
  abstract = {<p>International guidelines recommend blood pressure-lowering therapy, statins and aspirin for people who have had a cardiovascular event but use of these medications is low, particularly for lower income countries. Clinical trials have demonstrated that combining these medications into a single pill or capsule (a 'polypill') improves adherence, systolic blood pressure and low density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with usual care in secondary prevention. Uptake of polypill-based care has been underwhelming, possibly due to safety concerns. Overall, results from the clinical trials of polypill use among people who have had a cardiovascular event show no immediate safety concerns. Increased use and adherence to medications will always be associated with side effects however use within a combination medication has not been shown to be any less safe than individual component medications. Research investigating the relative consequences of nonadherence to a polypill compared with individual components would be useful.</p>},
  year = {2018},
  journal = {Ther Adv Drug Saf},
  volume = {9},
  pages = {157-162},
  issn = {2042-0986},
  doi = {10.1177/2042098617747836},
  language = {eng},
}