Studies Show Vytorin Ineffective in Preventing Clogged Arteries

On January 14, 2008, the results of a Vytorin study revealed that the drug was ineffective in preventing clogged arteries, and may in fact actually increase plaque in some users. Despite knowing the results of the studies, the drug’s manufacturers, Merck and Schering-Plough, delayed releasing the results for more than one year.

In addition, the company led doctors and Vytorin users to believe that the drug, a combination of Zocor and Zetia, would effectively reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver and the amount of cholesterol in food absorbed in the intestines. This would theoretically lessen the amount of plaque buildup in the arteries and lessen the risk of having heart attacks and strokes.

Results from the ENHANCE study, however, showed that while Vytorin was somewhat better at lowering bad cholesterol than Zocor, Vytorin was not better at reducing plaque buildup than Zocor. Plaque is the prime cause of heart attack and stroke. Vytorin also costs about three times as much as generic Zocor, and is one of Merck’s and Schering-Plough’s top selling drugs.

Some evidence suggests Merck and Schering-Plough officials knew the results of the study well before they were released to the public, maybe as early as March 2007, but delayed their release. The companies are even facing accusations of changing the study’s primary endpoint after receiving the initial results.

In doing this, the companies failed to notify patients about the ineffectiveness of Vytorin, allowing them to suffer economic consequences and the side effects of the drug, while possibly facing risks of heart attacks and strokes.

Do you need a Digitek Lawyer? – Free Call, No Obligation

If you or someone you love has taken Digitek, you should be aware that a manufacturing mistake may have already caused numerous injuries and deaths in patients.

Contact our personal injury law firm today. A consultation with a product liability lawyer may be in your best interest. If Actavis knew of safety violations in its manufacturing plant, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries you may have suffered as a result.

Our product liability lawyers are investigating the circumstances surrounding this drug. Your information will be reviewed by a lawyer who may be able to help you gain compensation from a Digitek lawsuit.

Sources: “Digitek Recall Blamed on Shoddy Manufacturing,” News Inferno, June 4, 2008 (http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/3199); “Actavis Totowa (formerly known as Amide Pharmaceutical, Inc.) recalls all lots of Bertek and UDL Laboratories Digitek® (digoxin tablets, USP) as precaution,” US Food and Drug Administration Press Release, April 25, 2008.

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