New Study Questions Effectiveness Of Popular Cholesterol Drug Vytorin

A recent study appearing in the New England Journal of Medicine has questioned the

effectiveness of the popular cholesterol medication, Vytorin and its sister drug Zetia. Vytorin, a combination of Zetia and the generic drug Zocor, is the second most profitable pharmaceutical manufactured by Merck & Co. The Securities and Exchange Commission reports that sales of Vytorin and Zetia have raked in an astonishing $21 billion worldwide since 2003.

Although ezetimibe, the active ingredient in Vytorin and Zetia, has been shown to reduce cholesterol slightly, its ability to unclog coronary arteries is less than that of niacin, a cheap B vitamin, often available over the counter, according to the article. Furthermore, the article states that no evidence exists that the drugs can prevent heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases, whereas its competitors can do both at a cheaper cost to the consumer. Lipitor, Zocor and other statin-type pharmaceuticals block cholesterol production in the liver, whereas Zetia blocks cholesterol absorption in the intestines. The difference between how the drugs reduce cholesterol has helped Zetia's popularity, despite the fact its effectiveness has been questioned. Vytorin is often prescribed to patients who are unable to tolerate the side effects of niacin or other statins' side effects, including liver problems.

This is the third study in the last two years that has cast doubt on the effectiveness of the pharmaceutical giant. Additionally, in August 2009, Merck and Schering-Plough agreed to pay $41.5 million to settle class-action lawsuits accusing the companies of withholding unfavorable information about the drugs. Both companies bear the burden of the lawsuit due to their recent merge. A controversial study released in 2008 has linked Vytorin to potentially harmful side effects, including an alarming rate of cancer deaths.

These studies also question whether the Food and Drug Administration prematurely approved the drugs without requiring additional studies that illustrate the drugs' effectiveness or ability to prevent heart attacks. Merck waited three years before starting a research study to examine the effect on heart attack rates among Zetia and Vytorin patients.

Additional studies will be conducted to further examine the effectiveness of the drugs, including heart attack prevention; however results are not expected to be available until at least 2012. Leading cardiologists have advised patients to use cholesterol drugs like Zetia and Vytorin only if his or her cholesterol levels have not improved with the use of other medications and life-style changes. Oftentimes, patients pursue a Vytorin lawsuit to seek monetary compensation to cover medical treatments due to cardiovascular complications.

by: Katie Kelley

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