More Disappointing Results For Vytorin

We've been following the Vytorin controversy for some time now, with studies questioning the effects of Vytorin - and cholesterol in general - when it comes to atherosclerosis and heart disease. Merck has released another series of their results on Vytorin today, and the news is not good for people with heart valve disease.

Vytorin, a combination of Zocor and Zetia, does not appear to slow the progression of aortic valve disease. However, Vytorin does show some promise - this study also revealed that Vytorin reduced the occurence of coronary events, like a heart attack or stroke, in people with milder forms of atherosclerosis. Additionally, cholesterol was reduced by 60% when compared to a placebo. Previous studies involving Vytorin have looked at coronary artery thickness.

On another note, it was also found that Vytorin also increased the likelihood of more serious heart disease events occuring in people with cancer. But don't worry about this too much yet - studies would be needed to verify this, because the number of people used for looking at this was small.

More studies involving Vytorin are not due to be completed for another few years. But until these results come out, continue taking your Vytorin, if you take it, unless your healthcare provider says otherwise.