Vytorin/Zetia

Vytorin and Zetia are drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol levels. They are commonly prescribed for patients who are unable to control their cholesterol levels through diet and exercise. Vytorin is combination of Zetia and Zocor (a "Statin"). Statins carry the risk of possible side effects, such as liver and muscle damage. Recent studies have found that Zetia and Vytorin can increase the risk of liver damage and/or disease.

The drugs' manufacturers, Merck & Co. and Schering-Plough Corp., conducted several studies on Zetia that raised questions about the risk of liver damage, but never published the results. Concerns about Vytorin’s effectiveness came to light in January 2008, when Schering-Plough and Merck finally released data from a 2006 study called the Enhance trial. According to the findings of the Enhance trial, combining Zetia with Zocor produced no better results than a less expensive statin alone in reducing the risk of arterial plaque build up or heart attack and stroke. This meant that patients who were taking Vytorin for this specific purpose were paying for a medication that did not give them that benefit. the drug manufacturers didn't release the results until Jan of  2008, and then only after a congressional inquiry into the delay. By withholding information regarding the drug's effectiveness, the manufacturer caused millions of Americans to purchase the more expensive Vytorin over other less expensive cholesterol medicines.