The FDA has begun an investigation into ezetimibe and simvastatin, the two compounds found in Vytorin which are designed to lower cholesterol levels.
A 5-year trial was conducted to see if the combined ingredients could “reduce cardiovascular events in patients with a diagnosis of aortic stenosis.” The trial found that no, there were no benefits. However, a larger percentage of those treated with Vytorin (as opposed to the placebo group) were diagnosed with and died from various forms of cancer. Whether that was cause and effect is not known yet.
Two other ongoing trials will end in 2010 and 2012. I have to wonder about those patients taking part in the trials. Why would anyone take that kind of chance with their health?
Meanwhile, the drug Baycol was removed from the market after numerous deaths were attributed to its use.
Cases such as this are a good reason not to take any drugs that haven’t been around for a good long while – unless, of course, your condition is terminal and they offer some relief.
If you’re taking Vytorin, you might want to go back to your doctor and ask for something safer. Or, since all pharmaceuticals carry risk, and since cholesterol drugs seem to carry side effects that lead to death, it seems like it might be a good idea to see what you can do without drugs.
According to the Mayo Clinic site, the first thing to do is reduce the amount of saturated and trans fats in your diet. Unfortunately, that means staying away from store-bought cookies, crackers, and cakes. (unless you read the ingredients and find there are no trans fats)
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