Post-marketing surveillance of probucol (Sinlestal) in Japan.

We surveyed the efficacy and safety of probucol (Sinlestal) in 6,002 patients with hyperlipidemia during the past six years between Oct., 1984 and Sep., 1990. Probucol was usually administered for more than 8 weeks at a dose of 500 mg per day and effects on serum lipids and adverse drug events (ADEs) were investigated. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and HDL cholesterol (HDL) significantly decreased by 16-20%, 6-9% and 15-20% respectively. Further, LDL cholesterol (LDL) decreased by 15-19%. ADEs were reported in 2.7% (161/6,002 subjects), but severity was mild or moderate. In addition to survey in 6,002 patients, the effect on regression of xanthomas and safety in long-term administration of over one year was investigated in 44 and 142 patients, respectively. Regression of xanthoma was observed in 63.6% (28/44 subjects). Probucol was well tolerated in long-term administration. These PMS results showed probucol to possess good therapeutic efficacy and safety.