Vytorin Ineffective in Lowering Cholesterol

Vytorin Ineffective in Lowering Cholesterol

01/25/08

In our December, 2007 article Cholesterol Levels Down – Good News? we briefly referred to the “the usual laundry list of potentially serious side-effects” associated with pharmaceutical drugs to reduce the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, and the need for caution when using them.

Well, here’s the latest twist on this subject. It is believed that not all cholesterol comes from the food we eat, but that some of us may also be genetically predisposed to absorbing it in greater amounts. This was an acceptable explanation for why some had high LDL (bad) cholesterol levels despite their heart-healthy diet and exercise routine.

To address this special group of patients, or to increase company revenues (you decide), Merck and Schering-Plough jointly developed the drug, Vytorin, which combines Zetia with the cholesterol-lowering statin drug, Zocor. Since 2004 this FDA approved combination had been heavily marketed to doctors and the general public as the ultimate solution for lowering cholesterol. Zocor would reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver and Zetia would decrease the amount of cholesterol in food that is absorbed in the intestines, thereby lessening plaque build up in the arteries and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Sounds like a perfect combination.

Surprise?
After an almost two-year delay, Merck and Schering-Plough finally released partial data from their own two-year study of Vytorin called “Enhance. This study tested their drug on 720 patients with high cholesterol. The “surprise” results revealed that Vytorin was no more effective than a high dose of one of its components, Zocor, which is available in the generic form at one-third of the cost! Vytorin’s annual sales of about $5 billion likely justified the “delay” in releasing the results of the “Enhance” study, in the minds of its makers.

Despite the companies claim of acting with “integrity and good faith” law suits are piling up in several states over allegations they misled consumers into thinking the drugs were more effective than generics.

The Problem is Zetia
While Zocor maintains its status as an effective cholesterol lowering drug, Zetia and the combination of the two have been shown to be ineffective and potentially dangerous. The study showed that some of the Vytorin patients actually developed more arterial plaque than those taking Zocor alone, putting them at an even greater risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Natural Help for Lowering Cholesterol
Some have reported great results from supplementing their diets with Omega-3 fish oils. While the real thing is always preferable, the reality is that the most widely available fish is “farmed” fish, which are not high in omega-3 oils due to their “unnatural” diets. So if you want to increase your omega-3 oils, you'll have to turn to high quality supplements.

Here’s an excerpt of a letter from someone who did:

“Determined to find a natural way to improve my LDL, I spoke with a local nutritionist who is also well-versed in herbal supplements. It was suggested that I try omega-3 fish oil capsules. I took 3 capsules each day, 2 capsules in the morning and 1 with dinner. After 4 months my total cholesterol level dropped to 196 and my LDL to 131. My doctor was very impressed and agreed to give me a few more months to bring it down a little more. Another visit to the nutritionist added a product called “Cholarest SC” made by Metagenics, to my Omega-3 routine. Four months later and my total cholesterol level is 168 (well below the recommended 199) and my LDL is 98 (below the recommended 100)!!! I no longer have high cholesterol and my liver enzymes are, in my doctor’s words “perfect”. LDM – Virginia

Be well,
Medicine Plants™

Health Disclaimer! The information presented on this site should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. You should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to your health and well-being. The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the authors, but readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

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