Zetia®, a widely prescribed cholesterol drug, and Vytorin®, a pill containing Zetia® as an active ingredient, were recently implicated in published reports by the manufacturers Merck and Schering-Plough for failing to benefit and possibly contributing to plaque formation in patients taking the drugs. The results of the companies’ two-year trial study were released after several delays, causing concern as patients on Zetia® and Vytorin® have remained with the drugs as treatment.
Merck and Schering-Plough have marketed this drug as a means for patients to control cholesterol, with sales of $5 billion dollars per year for the drugs. Critics have charged that results of clinical trials designed to test the safety and effectiveness of the drugs have been long delayed past projected deadlines. The testing results were finally made public on January 15, 2008, and the results have been devastating. Rather than reducing the risk of heart attack, the trials indicate that there may be an enhanced risk from the drugs and an increased development of plaque formation in patients who use Zetia® or Vytorin®. In a press release, Merck and Schering-Plough admitted that not only does Zetia® fail to slow the accumulation of fatty plaque in the arteries, it actually seems to contribute to plaques formation.
The motive of the drug companies delaying the release of this data is unclear, but this information relating to safety and to effectiveness is of grave importance to patients who wrestle with high cholesterol, and to the prescribing physicians who are charged with their patients’ well being. Any delay in releasing this vital information may have adversely affected the patients while providing a period of unimpeded sales volume to the benefit of the drug companies.
The release of these results leaves many unanswered questions about Zetia® and Vytorin®. As the investigation and scientific research continue, due diligence will be required to uncover the true facts of the safety of this heavily marketed drug.
Motley Rice LLC is investigating cases of clients who have suffered a heart attack while taking Zetia® or Vytorin®. If you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI) while taking Zetia® or Vytorin®, please contact attorney Carmen S. Scott (SC) at (843) 216-9160 or cscott@motleyrice.com.
For attorneys who have been contacted by people seeking information, we welcome your questions and are pleased to work with you in association. Please contact attorney Carmen S. Scott (SC) at (843) 216-9160 or cscott@motleyrice.com.
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