Safety Alert: Report Says Possible Link Between Vytorin and Cancer
Late this week, the Federal Drug Administration informed healthcare professionals that an ongoing study has uncovered a possible link between the cholesterol lowering drug Vytorin and various forms of cancer. The study, called Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis (SEAS) trial, is designed to see if the drug will reduce the risk of heart problems in people with narrowing of the arteries. The results of the study will not be ready for 3 more months and it will take the FDA another 6 months to evaluate the results. In the meantime, there is no one calling for patients to stop taking the drug, but patients and doctors are encouraged to monitor and report any side effects.
In related news, other researchers who last year said there may be a link between statins (including Vytorin and Zocor) have now said additional work has shown that there is no such link. This report is found in the Journal of American College of Cardiology.
So what should you do if you are on Vytorin, Zocor (or its generic simvastatin) or another statin? I say keep an eye on your health and talk to your doctor if you are concerned. I am taking simvastatin and I plan on keeping track of the results of the study. I know from handling many cases involving dangerous drugs that you have to keep an eye on these things and don’t be afraid to ask questions. As I wrote about earlier this week, you can’t always trust what the pharmaceutical companies are telling you.
