From the Guidelines
To help you memorize drugs for dyslipidemia management, I recommend using the mnemonic "FAST RACERS" which draws from Formula One racing terminology. FAST RACERS stands for: Fibrates (fenofibrate, gemfibrozil), Alirocumab/Evolocumab (PCSK9 inhibitors), Statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, lovastatin, fluvastatin, pitavastatin), Torcetrapib (CETP inhibitors), Resins (cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam), Acid derivatives (nicotinic acid/niacin), Cholesterol absorption inhibitors (ezetimibe), Evinacumab (ANGPTL3 inhibitor), Red yeast rice, and Supplements (omega-3 fatty acids). This mnemonic organizes drugs by their classes, making it easier to recall specific medications within each category. The "FAST RACERS" concept works well because like Formula One drivers who need optimal performance, these medications help optimize lipid profiles. Each class targets different aspects of lipid metabolism: statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase to reduce cholesterol synthesis, fibrates activate PPAR-α to lower triglycerides, resins bind bile acids, and PCSK9 inhibitors enhance LDL receptor recycling. Having these medications organized by mechanism will help you understand their use in different dyslipidemia scenarios rather than just memorizing a list, as supported by the guidelines for dyslipidemia management in adults with diabetes 1. Additionally, the use of statins is recommended for the primary prevention of ischemic stroke in patients estimated to have a high 10-year risk for cardiovascular events, as stated in the 2013 “ACC/AHA Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults” 2. The management of dyslipidemia should prioritize the reduction of LDL cholesterol, with a target goal of 100 mg/dl (2.60 mmol/l) for most patients with diabetes, as recommended in the standards of medical care in diabetes--2008 3. It is also important to consider the treatment of high triglyceride levels, particularly in patients with diabetes, as they are at increased risk of pancreatitis and cardiovascular disease, as discussed in the principles for national and regional guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention 4. Overall, the "FAST RACERS" mnemonic provides a useful tool for memorizing the different classes of drugs used to manage dyslipidemia, and can help guide treatment decisions in clinical practice.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Mnemonic for Dyslipidemia Drugs
To help memorize the drugs used to manage dyslipidemias, a mnemonic can be created with a reference to cricket or Formula One.
- Cricket Theme: "Batsmen Face Serious Challenges" + B: Bile acid sequestrants (resins) 5 + F: Fibrates (e.g., fenofibrate) 6, 7 + S: Statins 5, 8 + C: Cholesterol absorption inhibitors (e.g., ezetimibe) 6, 8
- Formula One Theme: "Fast Drivers Secure Championships" + F: Fibrates (e.g., fenofibrate) 6, 7 + D: Drugs that decrease cholesterol production (e.g., statins) 5, 8 + S: Substances that slow cholesterol absorption (e.g., ezetimibe) 6, 8 + C: Cholesterol-lowering therapies (including bile acid sequestrants and nicotinic acid) 5, 8
Classes of Lipid-Modifying Drugs
The main classes of lipid-modifying drugs include:
- Bile acid sequestrants (resins) 5
- Fibrates (e.g., fenofibrate) 6, 7
- Statins 5, 8
- Nicotinic acid (niacin) 5
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitors (e.g., ezetimibe) 6, 8
Combination Therapy
In some cases, combination therapy may be effective, such as: