Vytorin / Zetia
First, Please do not stop taking your Zetia or Vytorin before you make an
appointment and talk to your doctor about your treatment. Your specific
situation and needs may be different, but these comments will apply to most of
you.
You are taking Vytorin or Zetia to lower your LDL cholesterol. We know
that if you lower your LDL cholesterol you will decrease the chance of having a
heart attack or stroke. There are several medications which help lower LDL
cholesterol.
Lower LDL cholesterol can help slow down plaque build up in the arteries.
We also have evidence that if you get your LDL cholesterol low enough you might
be able to remove some of the plaque build up that you already have.
The ENHANCE trial was to see if there was any difference in build up in the
carotid arteries between people taking simvastatin (Zocor) and people taking
Vytorin (Zetia plus simvastatin). It was not intended to look for more or
less heart attacks in either group. The actual study has not been released
yet, only preliminary information.
The ENHANCE trial did not show any difference in the two groups, with the
tool they used to check for plaque build up.
The ENHANCE trial did show lower LDL cholesterol with Vytorin.
The ENHANCE trial had same side effects in both groups.
SO, based on information available now, Please do not change your medications
until you discuss your specific situation with your doctor.
Don't let the news media or the medication advertisements have much influence on
what you do for your health.