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Stick With Vytorin And Zetia, Or Switch?

Newspaper Columns, Pharmacy Q&A May 9, 2008

Q. I am alarmed by recent reports that Vytorin and Zetia are associated with plaque build-up in the carotid artery. My doctor tells me that until more is known, I should continue taking the prescribed medicine. Do you agree? Is it harmful to switch abruptly to another cholesterol-lowering medicine such as simvastatin?

A. In the wake of the ENHANCE study that produced such disappointing results with Vytorin, the American College of Cardiology convened an expert panel to advise their colleagues. These thought leaders suggest that doctors should stick with statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs, which have a proven track record.

Until there is more convincing data about Vytorin or Zetia, the cardiologists recommend using them only as a last resort. There should be no danger switching to simvastatin since it has been shown to be effective.

Tags: Cholesterol, ENHANCE, Simvastatin, Statins, Vytorin, Zetia

Reader Comments

The comments below are provided by the users of this site and not by The Peoples Pharmacy or the Graedons. Please also remember that nothing contained in this site is intended as a substitute for medical advice.

I had an "interrupted MI" in 7/05... early symptoms and stents w/in 20 min relieved problem... and Cardio recommended Lipitor. Results were great but in 3/06 he recommended I switch to Vytorin. Within 6 months, I experienced every side effect associated w/this drug... muscle pain, leg cramps, dizziness, lack of focus, forgetfulness... you name it. I went off V cold-turkey -- bad idea we know now -- but eventually went to Red Yeast Rice... MDs say not as effective but no side effects. Note: I did not have any side effects from Lipitor but probably did not take it long enough to find out.
My perosnal advice: Do not ever take Vytorin!

Posted by: L J | May 11, 2008 7:46 PM

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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

© 2008 King Features Syndicate, Inc.