01405nas a2200133   4500000000100000008004100001100001700042700001800059245012200077300001200199490000600211520104000217022001401257       2018                            d1 aWebster Ruth1 aSelak Vanessa00aPolypills for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: effective in improving adherence but are they safe?  a157-1620 v93 a<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>  a2042-0986