Vytorin

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Why the Concern Over Vytorin?

Doctors began prescribing Vytorin in 2004 after early studies suggested the combo pill might be more effective at lowering cholesterol than a statin alone. However, more recent studies have cast some doubt on ezetimibe's effectiveness in reducing atherosclerosis, the progressive buildup of cholesterol or plaque on the arteries, says Timothy Gardner, M.D., president of the American Heart Association.

The first red flag came in January 2008 when Merck/Schering-Plough released results from a study that found Vytorin was no more effective in reducing artery plaque buildup than simvastatin alone. Vytorin costs about $100 a month while simvastatin costs $4 a month. The news led a panel of leading cardiologists to recommend that only patients who can't use other cholesterol-lowering drugs take Vytorin.

The AHA later issued a statement saying that study was not large enough or long enough to determine whether Vytorin is more or less effective than the single drug in reducing heart attacks or deaths.

Then, in August 2008, another small research study indicated a possible link between Vytorin and cancer. The five-year study followed 1,900 patients who were given Vytorin or a placebo. A few more patients who took Vytorin developed or died from cancer than those taking the placebo. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now is investigating the possible Vytorin-cancer link.

Kathy Marks plans to keep taking 20 milligrams of Vytorin a day. She has spoken with her cardiologist about the what-ifs, and they agreed she should stay the course. Her doctor is monitoring updates on Vytorin and has told Marks she'll suggest a change if it is needed.

"It's working great for me, doing what it's supposed to be doing," she says. "Every day is a blessing."