Over the last 20 years, my husband has had seven heart attacks, triple bypass surgery and two ste...
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Insurance not Covering Vytorin was Blessing in Disguise
Over the last 20 years, my husband has had seven heart attacks, triple bypass surgery and two stents placed in his heart. He has been on about all of the cholesterol medications that have been out at one time or another, including Vytorin. Last January, our health insurance changed, and we were no longer able to get Vytorin at a reasonable price, so the heart doctor switched his Vytorin prescription for another cholesterol prescription. It looks like that was a blessing in disguise.Right now, high cholesterol patients on Vytorin are worried about the safety and effectiveness of this medication. It has recently been found through clinical trials that Vytorin does not work. According to Steven Nissen, head of cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic, "This drug doesn't work. Period. It just doesn't work. It is easy to conclude that Merck and Schering-Plough intentionally sought to delay the release of this data." (Source: Forbes.com)
Vytorin was promoted as the latest and greatest in prescription medications for lowering cholesterol because it was supposed to perform a dual purpose. Vytorin was supposed to help block the absorption of cholesterol from the foods that are eaten and reduce the cholesterol that is made naturally within the body. Clinical studies have shown though that Vytorin is not reducing plaque buildup in neck arteries. The drug also was not proven to be anymore effective than Zocor.
As with any prescription medication, side effects are always something we have to consider. Fortunately, my husband did not experience any Vytorin side effects.
Vytorin Side Effects
Almost 7% of people using this drug may experience headaches as a Vytorin side effect.
Approximately 4% of people reported having muscle pain as a Vytorin side effect. In rare cases, people can develop serious muscle problems that can cause the muscles to break down. This can lead to acute kidney failure and death.
Approximately 4% of people reported having upper respiratory infections and almost 3% reported flu-like symptoms as a Vytorin side effect.
- It has recently been found through clinical trials that Vytorin does not work.
- Side effects are something we have to consider before taking any medication.
- The drug also was not proven to be anymore effective than Zocor.
Comments
klondikejet@yahoo.com
(Guest)
(Guest)
08/26/2009
i take vytorin and im having leg cramps,stomach problems ad numbing in my leg and in my arms and i feel so tired all the time.could that be what it is?
Memory62
(Guest)
(Guest)
02/11/2008
I agree with you, but the side effects are what people must watch out for..... I have been on Vitorin for almost 3 years now. I have complained to my first Dr. about leg cramps , stomache problems, acid reflux, memory loss, tired all the time, breathing problems, shaking hands, leggs that when sitting constantly jumps, hands hurt and go numb.etc.
I am a heart patient under constant supervision of my heart Dr., I have high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, which stays under controll pretty good. I also take several medicines that should not be taken with Vitorin. The problems with my stomach are so bad that I go to my knees and can't breath. My Dr said it was my heart, heart Dr, said it was acid reflux, so back and forth I went to each Dr. seeking help. I did get a better acid reflux medicine than the one I was taking, but it did not solve my stomache problem. I had an upper GI recently and they found nothing that would give me any problems. Having coffee with my friends one da
i dont understand how the drug could just "not work". and i know these arent your words so no offense to you the reporter but it doesnt seem likely to me that a pharmaceutical company would put thousands of millions of dollars into developing and researching and then marketing a medication that during all of their many clinical trials proved to simply not work at all. not only is that not ethical but its a major form of fraud. If it didnt work for anyone, it would not have been put on the market. surely it must work for some people, perhaps the people for whom it does not have other issues going on that are somehow effecting it.
Good info.
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