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Does fixed-dose combination (FDC) therapy (or polypill) improve adherence to multiple pharmacologic therapies known to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD)? Investigators examined this question in a randomized trial of 2000 adults in India and Europe (mean age, 62; mostly men) with or at high risk for CVD. Patients received either one of two forms of FDC therapy (physician's choice) or continued usual care.
About 60% of FDC patients received a polypill containing aspirin (75 mg), simvastatin (40 mg), lisinopril (10 mg), and atenolol (50 mg); the remainder received a similar polypill containing hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg) instead of atenolol. Treating physicians could stop, add, or switch medications as needed. Patients received…