Vytorin: Serious Risks and Common Side Effects

Cholesterol medications are no stranger to hot topics in the news these days. And, it is no secret that having high cholesterol places an individual at greater risk for a variety of serious illnesses, including coronary artery disease, stroke and heart attack. While it is commonly known that cholesterol comes from the animal food products that we eat, Merck Pharmaceuticals has been seriously emphasizing, in an aggressive advertising campaign, the genetic component of having high cholesterol, hence the birth of their latest cholesterol medication, Vytorin.

Approved by the FDA in July, 2004, Vytorin, is a combination of 2 drugs, Zocor (a Simvastatin), and Zetia, (an Antilipidemic). The medication was primarily developed to treat both types of cholesterol, and works by blocking the absorption of cholesterol from the foods that we eat, while helping to reduce the type of cholesterol that is naturally produced by our bodies. Research has proven that taken daily, Vytorin can actually lower your Low Density Lipoproteins, (LDL's or bad cholesterol), by as much as 60%! While the benefits of taking this "miracle" drug seem overwhelmingly obvious, Vytorin side effects can be unusually serious and at times, life-threatening, therefore doctors must use extreme caution when prescribing this drug to their patients.

The most commonly reported Vytorin side effects are: 1) Headache (reported by 6.8% of patients studied), 2) Nausea and Vomiting (reported by greater than 1% of patients), 3) Diarrhea (reported by greater than 1%), 4) Muscle aches and pain (reported by3.5% of patients), and 5) Abnormal liver tests (reported by 3.6% of patients studied).

Patients experiencing mild side effects, will most likely find relief with over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers for headache and muscle pain, antiemetics for nausea and vomiting, and antidiarrheals for diarrhea. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist prior to taking any over-the-counter medication, as some drugs are not recommended while taking Vytorin. It should be noted that products containing Tylenol should be avoided while taking Vytorin due to the potential risk of liver abnormalities.

The most serious and potentially life-threatening side effects of Vytorin include: 1) Severe allergic reaction (to include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, tongue, lips and throat), 2) Liver damage, and 3) Muscle inflammation and breakdown.

It should be emphasized that if you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of severe allergic reaction, this is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY and you should seek immediate medical attention by dialing 911.

While serious liver damage is rare, 3.6% of patients studied reported an increase in liver enzymes after taking Vytorin. Although most liver function tests do return to normal while continuing the medication, if liver tests have a value greater than 3 times the normal limit, the drug should be discontinued. It is essential for those taking Vytorin to obtain baseline liver function tests and periodic measurement of liver enzymes while taking the drug.

Vytorin has also been reported, by less than 1% of patients, to create a serious condition known as Rhabdomyolosis. Rhabdomyolosis is caused by a breakdown of the muscle cells producing a release of myoglobin (muscle protein) into the bloodstream. This condition is extremely dangerous and can lead to kidney failure and even death. To avoid this, patients are advised to contact their physician immediately if they are having unexplained muscle swelling, muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, or dark, reddish or rust colored urine. A decrease in urine production should also be reported.

While the dangers of taking Vytorin are, in many cases, dubious, it should be noted that the benefits of taking the drug must outweigh the risks for it to be effective. Therefore discussing it with your doctor prior to taking Vytorin, is imperative. Additionally, as a consumer, it remains every individual's responsibility to educate themselves about the medications that they take. This means doing your own homework regarding any drug that your doctor recommends, and asking relative questions if you have concerns. Many times, doctors allow overzealous pharmaceutical reps to influence their prescribing behaviors. Therefore, understanding what you are putting into your own body and why, will allow you to become an advocate for your own health. By assuming this role, you can learn to make informed choices about the medications that you take, thus giving you the freedom to ultimately make your own healthcare decisions.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myoglobin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhabdomyolysis
http://en.wikipedia.org/
http://www.drugs.com/zetia.html
http://www.drugs.com/zocor.html
http://www.vytorin.com/ezetimibe_simvastatin/vytorin/consumer/index.jsp
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4500
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol-medications/HB00042
www.cholesterol.emedtv.com
www.medicinenet.com
www.healthyheartguide.com