My Personal Experience with Vytorin and Why I'm Not Surprised by Studies Showing it Isn't Effective

According to the results of a latest study, including one noted here in the Moody Law Ledger at www.theledger.com/article/20080115/NEWS/801150407/1023
Vytorin failed to slow the build-up of plaque. This is no surprise to me because I had taken the drug for a long time and had monthly blood tests. While on Vytorin, even when I took it every other day instead of every day, my liver tests would show abnormal function.

At first, I took the drug daily. Yes, my cholesterol levels seemed to go down but I felt awful and the liver function tests were worrisome. Then I went off Vytorin for a couple of weeks and my liver function tests returned to the normal range. So I was put back on Vytorin because my cholestrol, no surprise, had gone up when I went off the drug even though I was on a heart healthy diet and was making other significant lifestyle changes. I restricted red meat, exercised, and was losing weight.

Even when my doctor told me to take Vytorin every other day (instead of daily), I had adverse reactions to the drug. The lower dosage still resulted in poor liver function tests (as indicated by blood tests).

At that point, I asked my doctor if I could have a CAT or computerized artery scan to see just how serious my condition might be. I wanted to know how much plaque was in my arteries so I'd have more information. I was motivated by the fact that my joints ached all the time I was on Vytorin, even though I was assured my blood work did not show I had a rare, but serious, condition sometimes caused by Vytorin which caused similar types of muscle pain.

I didn't like the way I felt while on Vtyorin - the aching muscles, the abnormal liver function tests. I was looking forward to the CAT test. It was a simple procedure. I was told the results immediately . The test gave a very detailed view of the arteries in and around my heart It indicated that I had very little plaque in my arteries and I was told I had less than a 1% chance of having a heart attack in the next 5-10 years. My doctor suggested I have a scan yearly. I agreed. I was then taken off Vytorin. What a relief!