Vytorin Side Effects

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.

Almost 2.5% of people reported back pain while over 3.5% of people reported having increased liver enzymes.

More than 1% of people reported Vytorin side effects that include nausea, muscle cramps, dizziness, rash, weakness, fatigue, blurred vision, constipation, gas, diarrhea, indigestion, joint pain, itching, trouble breathing, skin and eyes turning yellow, and swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips or throat.

Rare Vytorin Side Effects

Less than 1% of people reported having these Vytorin side effects:

Muscle aches

Severe breakdown of muscles

Insomnia

Depression

Hepatitis

Anxiety

Eczema

Impotence

Gallstones

Allergic reaction

Boy breast development

Vertigo

Any time a patient experiences side effects, it is important to let the physician know.

Sources:

http://cholesterol.emedtv.com/vytorin/vytorin-side-effects.html
http://www.forbes.com/2008/01/14/enhance-merck-schering-biz-healthcare-cx_mh_0115bizenhance.html