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Ezetimibe is an ingredient in Zetia and Vytorin. These popular cholesterol-lowering medications have come under increasing scrutiny over the last few years because of concerns that they may not lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes as anticipated. Now a new study in The New England Journal of Medicine adds fuel to the fire. A head-to-head study with an old-fashioned, inexpensive cholesterol-lowering drug called niacin demonstrated that niacin was superior to ezetimibe.
The study measured thickening in the lining of carotid arteries. Although niacin shrank this thickening slightly, ezetimibe did not. What is more, even in this small study of about 200 people, more of those taking ezetimibe had heart attacks or died. As a result, the study was stopped prematurely.
Niacin has been used for decades to lower bad LDL cholesterol and raise good HDL cholesterol. And for decades doctors have known that it can prevent heart attacks. But niacin can be difficult to take at cholesterol-lowering doses, causing flushing, itching and tingling. This research may give niacin a fresh boost and cast a lengthening shadow on the purported benefits of ezetimibe.
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My husband has been taking Zetia for 2 years now and I have been taking Vytorin. I have discussed it with my doctor and she insists that it is working. My cholesterol numbers are in a good range (before the new numbers were released this year). I am concerned as to whether we should continue the drugs or find something else.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT VYTORIN LOWERS CHOLESTEROL. THE QUESTION IS WHETHER IT WILL PREVENT HEART DISEASE. SINCE VYTORIN CONTAINS SIMVASTATIN, THAT MAY BE ENOUGH FOR YOU, BUT YOUR HUSBAND SHOULD DEFINITELY TALK WITH HIS DOCTOR.
For some time my doctor has had me try different cholesterol lowering drugs and none of them have worked for me due to the fact that they caused cramps in my hands, feet and legs + caused me to have memory problems. I even tried the Zetia and it did nothing but give me more pain. My daughter, who is a RN, had told me some time ago about Niacin, but when I discussed it with my doctor he said it would not work.
After trying all the drugs he prescribed with poor results and big costs I took it upon myself to try Niacin. After using Niacin for 5 months or so I went back to the doctor for more blood work and guess what? My total cholesterol had dropped by 20 points and all the HDL, LDL, etc. were much improved. My doctor was amazed and wanted to know what I had done, when I told him I he was dumbfounded. I go back in February for more blood work - I anxious to see if it is still working!!
Niacin also is the only known 'drug' that (instantly) lowers triglycerides. It really works. Use a prolonged release product like Slo Niacin. In my opinion a fish oil and niacin combo is a much better, more effective, and safer method of lowering cholesterol and triglycerides than are statin drugs which can have irreversible side effects, including severe muscle weakness and possible ALS like symptoms.
I've taken niacin for years and read the warnings about flushing countless times. I've found flushing to be an extremely minor and innocuous side-effect. Flushing has reduced in intensity and duration to near zero as I continued to take niacin. I have never read of any long-term harm from flushing. If people knew that no harm comes from flushing, most people would probably tolerate this minor side-effect with good cheer.
I enjoy the blush I get from 300 to 500 mg of niacin. I feel bringing blood up to my skin is positive.
I have been told that eating golden ground flax daily will be a big help to lowering cholesterol. My doctor poo-poo'd it but I have started a daily regimen. Has anyone else heard anything about flax? I would also like to hear from Harvey about the 300-500 mg dosage. Is that a "one size fits all" ?
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: GROUND FLAX SEED IS RICH IN OMEGA-3 FATS AND SOLUBLE FIBER, BOTH OF WHICH CAN HELP LOWER CHOLESTEROL.
I use flush-free niacin, 3000 mg. daily in two doses of 1500 mg. with lunch and dinner. My HDL was low and has been for years. After a couple of months on the niacin, my HDL numbers are coming up for the first time ever. My endocrinologist suggested taking 81 mg. aspirin if I were taking regular niacin to help prevent the flushing.