Zetia and Vytorin Class Action Lawsuits are filed as investigations are launched

Austin Kirk

By Austin Kirk
Posted January 28, 2008

ADD YOUR COMMENTS 58

Following the release of damaging data about their blockbuster cholesterol drugs, Merck and Schering-Plough now face Zetia and Vytorin class action lawsuits from users who claim that the drugs carry no medical benefits over cheaper, generic alternatives. In addition, the FDA issued an early communication late Friday indicating that they will be reviewing a final analysis of the data and the New York Attorney General has launched a probe into the drug makers’ actions surrounding the release of the study.

>>PRIOR POST (1/15/2008): Concerns about Zetia and Vytorin Side Effects

Vytorin is a cholesterol drug which combines Zetia and Zocor. On January 14, 2008, preliminary data was released from a clinical trial which was conducted to look at the effect of Vytorin on the build of cholesterol plaque in the neck arteries when compared to users taking Zocor alone, which is available as a generic.

Preliminary data from the clinical trial indicated that Vytorin does lower cholesterol levels, but there was no significant difference in the reduction of plaque which can develop on the inner walls of the arteries. The build up of this plaque could potentially lead to an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.

ZETIA AND VYTORIN INVESTIGATIONS

Concerns surrounding the study were initially fueled by an announcement in November 2007 that Merck and Schering-Plough were going to change the trial’s primary measure of effectiveness, even though the collection of data had concluded a year and a half earlier. Many considered this to be a violation of scientific protocol, and a congressional committee announced in December that they were going to investigate whether the drug makers were attempting to manipulate the data.

On Friday, the FDA released an “Early Communication” which indicated that they will be evaluating the complete analysis of the study’s data, which they anticipate will take about six months. Early communications usually indicate that the FDA is looking at the safety of a product, and whether risks associated with it may outweigh the benefits provided by the treatment. While this communication did not identify any specific health risks, many people in the medical community have expressed concern that Vytorin and Zetia may expose users to an unnecessary increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

On Saturday, it was reported that another investigation has been launched by the New York Attorney General, who will be looking into the actions of Merck and Schering-Plough. The Attorney General will be looking at the drug makers’ continued marketing of the Vytorin even after they were aware of the results of the study which concluded in April 2006. The sale of stock by company insiders just before the bad results of the study were disclosed will also be investigated.

In a statement released by Andrew Cuomo, the New York Attorney General, he said:

Drug companies are on notice that concealing critical information about life-saving prescription drugs, profiting at the expense of patients’ health, and wasting taxpayer dollars, is simply unacceptable.

ZETIA AND VYTORIN CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS

Zetia and Vytorin class action suits have been filed in at least four different states on behalf of patients and medical insurers who paid for the drug which apparently had no positive medical benefits. The lawsuits allege that the drug makers pursued profits, without concern for whether the drug would have an impact on the health of users.

The Zetia and Vytorin class action suits are seeking reimbursement for the cost of the prescription or for the difference between the cost of the prescription and what the generic would have cost. The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are also evaluating the potential for individual Vytorin lawsuits for users of the drugs who suffered a heart attack or stroke. Since the drug does not provide any medical benefit, even a minimal increase in the risk of a heart attack or stroke would be an unacceptable risk.

If you, a friend or family member have suffered a heart attack or stroke while taking Vytorin or Zetia, you can have the circumstances surrounding your injury reviewed as part of our law firm’s evaluation of whether Zetia and Vytorin lawsuits will be pursued. Request a free consultation.

58 Comments • Add Your Comments

  • Ralph says:

    I have been taking Vytorin, and interested in the class action suit. My prescription is through my doctor’s office in Saipan, CNMI, 96950.

    I presently reside in Manila, Philippines, so best to contact me via my email address.

    Thank you.

    Posted on February 26, 2008 at 3:18 am

  • Rockin7E says:

    My husband suffered a heart attack November 17,2007 while taking Vytorin. His cardio Doctor informed me if I had not gotten him to the hospital when I did, I would have lost him. He has had 3 stents placed in his heart. He also complains of muscle pain. He has been taking Vytorin for over a year. Looking for information on a class action lawsuit in the state of Maryland.

    Posted on April 2, 2008 at 8:37 am

  • Linda says:

    I have been taking vytortin and my husband has just been layoff of his county job and I am told I may not beable to get insurance because of this.

    Posted on April 2, 2008 at 10:55 am

  • Sandy says:

    My cardiologist perscribed crestor but my insurance company would not cover it and told me I had to go on vytorin. My insurance co. was at the time priority heath of Michigan. The only thing I can figure is our co-pay for vytorin was $40 compared to crestor at a co-pay of $10.I currenty do not have health ins. so my cost is $156.00 pr month.I can not understand why the ins. co would do this .We can not afford to pay this amount. I will be contacting my cardiologist and asked to be put on crestor as it is a $4.00 drug at walmart.

    Posted on April 2, 2008 at 8:48 pm

  • Megan says:

    My father is 54 and he had been taking Vytorin and Zetia. He had EXTREME stomach pain to the point where he could not leave the house; eventually when he could make it to the doctor was taken of the drugs. After a week the extreme pains went away, but he is still unable to function normally because of ongoing stomach pains. I was wondering if anyone else was having this issue or if there was a class action suit with this. My mother works for a pharmaceutical company but since she and my father are divorced I am the only one who can help him.

    Posted on April 4, 2008 at 10:19 am

  • Michael says:

    Novenber of 2007 while taking Vytorin this seemingly healthy 49 yr old person was admiited to the Hospital w/severe chest pains…I belive I had a Heart Attack from the drug..Or adverse effects…I had mild chest pain since starting the drug…Then got slammed…I belive Nitro-Glycerin saved my life…Which I was given numerous doses…I don’t want others to go through what I endured….

    Posted on April 21, 2008 at 9:39 am

  • Debby Tebo says:

    aAre there presently any suits filed for Zetia users?

    Posted on June 6, 2008 at 6:42 pm

  • ratnakar says:

    difference between class action and toxic tort

    Posted on June 17, 2008 at 8:32 am

  • ray says:

    i took zetia fo,i had high cholesterol which went even higher on zetiar about 2 months and had two basil strokes out of thr blue

    Posted on November 25, 2008 at 1:34 pm

  • merry says:

    I have been taking Vytorin 10/20 since jan 1 2009 for high LDL. Last weds after taking a dose of this prescribed vytorin I developed horrible stomach pains to the upper stomach. Being a nurse myself, I just thought this was perhaps, indigestion or something I ate.

    Next day, I was okay then the pains came back after I took the Vytorin -this was the same routine for the next few days-fine in the morning then the stomach pains in the same upper stomach area after I took a Vytorin pill. I had no idea that Vytorin could cause stomach pains as my doctor didnt tell me this or make a big deal out of mentioning anything I could possibly experience except for muscle pain. I did a little research on the internet and found that Vytorin could indeed cause stomach pain – I have done nothing out of the ordinary or different than take this medicine for the past 18 days. I plan to call my doctor tomorrow and immediately take myself off this drug.
    On exam, the doctor was guilting me into taking high cholesterol meds and stated that EVERYONE wants to do something natural and that it never works-so I went ahead and tried the Vytorin for that reason.
    I hope there is something else I can take-I will do some homework at the natural food store , eat alot of cherrios and oatmeal.

    In the meantime, I did read the Patient Information paper, it lists some side effects and then specifically says “This is not a complete list of side effects” scary shit-I dont know, if I will grow a third eye.
    The side effects it does list are
    allergic reactions-ie rash, difficulty breathing, facial swelling; hives; joint pain; muscle pain; liver problems; abnormal labs; pancreas inflammation; nausea; dizziness; depression; gallstones/inflammation of the gallbladder

    Im not sure why these side effects are discussed by doctors, these are important to know especially since you are suppose to take this med for your lifetime

    Posted on January 19, 2009 at 12:52 am

  • Tom says:

    Similar experience as Merry. After 10 years of using Lipitor, my doctor switched me Vytorin in early Jan ’09. About 6 weeks into the therapy, I began to have unexplained intestinal pains. Blood, urine tests and Cat scan shows nothing. It then occurred to me …. what are the side effects of Zetia in the Vytorin? I was horrified when I read some of the side effects. I have been off the Vytorin for a week with no signs of improvement.

    Posted on March 18, 2009 at 2:36 pm

  • Louis says:

    From the time I started using zetia priscribed by my doctor my cholesterol plaque in neck arteries increased 35% TEST DONE BY HOSPITAL IN 2008 looking for inf. on a clas action lawsuit in stae of wi.or help from attr.from any state .THANKS .

    Posted on May 19, 2009 at 10:02 am

  • Glade says:

    Having taken vytorin for 3 1/2 yrs i came home one day and had to go up one step into house and to pull my leg up by hand to grt into house. I also have had the bsd stomach pains and still do after being off vytorin for one yr. after being off vytorin for six days i almost felt like a new person

    Posted on August 5, 2009 at 7:33 pm

  • loretta says:

    my doctors made me feel as if i was a hypercondriac (spelled wrong). i complained about my upper arms hurting. my insurance company says i have been on zocor since 1995 and was put on vytorin when it came out-it made my upper arms hurt worse. so i took zocor one day and vytorin the next. the intestinal pain got so bad i could not eat after 5 in the evening. i was doing things by way of elimination and stopped vytorin and only using zocor until the doctor said to stop zocor also for 1 month and then he put me on crestor. i don’t know what the side effects will be. however, damages to the body have already been done.

    Posted on September 3, 2009 at 10:07 pm

  • Miranda says:

    I have been on vytorin for nearly 2 years now and have not had any problems as of yet. I have lab work done every 6 months and my good and bad cholestrol results are in the excellent range. I am now very concerned and will be checking with my doctor regarding all this controversy over vytorin.

    Posted on November 2, 2009 at 1:00 pm

  • Linda says:

    I have been taking vytorin since I underwent triple bypass surgery in September 2006. My co-pay is $60 (much higher than any other medication I currently take). When I asked about the possibility of a less expensive generic, I was told that none existed.

    Posted on November 3, 2009 at 9:10 am

  • Bonnie says:

    I too had taken Vytorin at least 2 different times by 2 different doctors, I may have taken it before that but am not sure. I finally stopped taking it because the pain in my arms and every muscle was unbearable. I thought it was just me but I got better after…I finally decided to take my chances without medicine… I have had 2 stents in my right carotid/subclaven arteries, a graft on my left and a stent in my right coronary artery.

    Posted on November 3, 2009 at 12:31 pm

  • Catherine says:

    I had taken Vytorin for over a year when I developed extreme weakness and pain in my right arm. I couldn’t grip anything with my hand. Also, severe muscle rigidity and cramps would come and go during the day, but especially at night. The excruciating pain woke me frequently, disturbing sleep. I stopped taking all statins, but have some residual pain.

    Posted on November 3, 2009 at 6:45 pm

  • Richard says:

    I was on Vytorin for around three years. my doctor since took me off it. and now I take simvaststin…

    Posted on November 3, 2009 at 8:17 pm

  • Vic says:

    Nov 5 2009 I have been on vytorin for 3 or 4 years some leg cramps but now I have been having severe stomach cramps.Garlic took my cholestrol down a lot but my doctor wanted me to be on statin . I had 5 bypass and mytro valve repair. I think I will go off, any suggestions

    Posted on November 5, 2009 at 11:15 pm

  • Bob says:

    I have taken Zetia for a number of years with good results as far as my cholestral numbers are concerned. But, upon reading some of the side effects I have had much joint and muscle pain. Maybe Zetia could be causing these pains.

    Posted on November 6, 2009 at 12:47 pm

  • Juliana says:

    I was on Vytorin for a couple of years. When the first questions arose about the effectiveness of the drug and it’s side effects (muscle pain/weakness, stomach pain) I questioned my cardiologist and he said, it is safe, I take it also…I also had increased problems with extremely high triglycerides. Eventually my regular physician took me off of vytorin and put me on simvastatin. I now have concerns that vytorin may have damaged my body permanently!

    Posted on November 6, 2009 at 9:52 pm

  • Delois says:

    I was prescribed Zetia for the reduction of my elevated cholesterol after haveing unacceptable side effects on Zocor. On the Zetia, my cholesterol levels did not go down, but began rising even higher. The unacceptable side efffect I experienced was paralysis-like symptoms on my left side so severe that getting out of bed in the AM became a real challenge. While sharing this experience with a medical personnel friend, I was informed that this was not any unusual side effect of Zetia. I immediately discontinued the drug and experienced a 95% reduction is the paralysis-like symptoms in 10 days and completely in 30 days.

    Posted on November 7, 2009 at 11:30 am

  • dottie says:

    I have been on Vytorin for three and a half years. 2 years ago I think I might had a heart attack a mild one I have to go in the hospital for test, but nothing showed up. I also have these stomach pain and take Protonic for it. What should I do call my doctor first thing Monday morning?

    Posted on November 7, 2009 at 10:06 pm

  • Patty says:

    I have had pain in my feet, legs and lower back. I thought it was arthritis, but am wondering if anyone else is experiencing this.

    Posted on November 8, 2009 at 12:13 am

  • Pauline says:

    I hav had high HDL readings since 1997, it started when my thyroid went out. Dr’s started me on Lipaotr but my whole body hurt so much that they took me off that drug and put men on zocor,but that was just as bad, so I to myself off the drugs myself when my HDL returned to normal. Then around 2001 my thyroid took anotherturn and my HDL was off the charts they wanted me back on the Lipator I said no way anything else that iswhen they put me on Vytorin 10-40 I still have the leg and arm pains but not like before, but the stomach pain yes I am so glad to hear that other are havin these pains going through the test and not finding anything wrong not ulcers, gallblader, pancerous anything wrong. I still take the drug but I have change my diet some what I limit the amount of meat and fatty product and garlic from my diet. This help with the flare up, it helps me, if there is another drug out there that will help without all the bad side ffects that is great, because i am affread not to take th e drug my mother has had 3 strokes and 2 heart attackts, and so has her brothers so yes I am a high risk for strokes. I can afford the med but it is ashame that these companies take advantage of us iin this way, but this is America we are the land of opportunity and we will take advantage of those who are sick because we believe that this pill will hwlp to make us feel better, and we do trust that the FDA will watchgh out for us right.

    Posted on November 8, 2009 at 6:01 pm

  • Jon says:

    My doctor started me on Zitia and weeks later I noticed joint and muscle pain. I also noticed major hair loss at that time. Could these be side afects of Zita? I’ve also taken Vytonin in the past.

    Posted on November 9, 2009 at 1:41 pm

  • Florene says:

    I have been on vytorin about 3 or 4 years.My prescription is through my Dr office. Internal medicine . Opelika Al. 36801.There’s not a night that I can sleep all night. I have severe pain in both of my legs. When I do fall off to sleep I have to get up and walk and beat cramps out of my leg’s and feet. I’m always complaining to my co-workers I don’t know why the lower part of my stomach and left side hurt every day. I am still taking Vytorin 10/20. My Dr. have not took me off it yet.

    Posted on November 9, 2009 at 7:26 pm

  • Charles says:

    I took Vytorin for over two years,during that time i had upper respiratory problems over a half dozen times,once putting me in the hospital for three days.After hearing bad info about Vytorin i asked the doctor about putting me on something else.My doctor put me on Pravastatin, that was two years ago, I have not had a respiratory infection since.

    Posted on November 9, 2009 at 11:27 pm

  • Roch says:

    I was prescribed Zetia since 2002 in Venice Fl. to lower my cholesterol until I moved to Sunny Isle Beach in 2005. My new doctor continued the same prescription and early 2009, my current doctor changed Zetia prescription to Welchol on instruction of Insurance Provider because of high cost, notwithstanding my copayment.

    Posted on November 11, 2009 at 12:15 am

  • Ernest says:

    I was taking vytorin from 2005 to 2007. I began having muscle pain over my entire body in 2006.I quit in 2007 and muscle pain reduced, but still having some pain. I was taking statins before vytorin, but never had a problem.

    Posted on November 11, 2009 at 7:32 pm

  • stephen says:

    I took zetia for quite awhile and it seemed it did nothing to lower cholesterol and always made me feel lousy.

    Posted on November 11, 2009 at 7:34 pm

  • Janet says:

    I was taking vytorin about 4 years ago and started having pains in my upper left thigh area, the pain would be so bad that I could not walk, twice I had to be wheeled to my car in a wheel chair from work, I was also having stomach pain in my upper stomach, I went to my doctor and told him about my pain in my legs and stomach and was told to stop taking vytorin. I also went to the emergency room thinking I was having a heart attack, because I was having pains in my upper chest area, and was put in the hospital and given a stress test. The stress test came back ok, but I was given something for my stomach. I don’t know if this was related to the vytorin.

    Posted on November 12, 2009 at 12:26 am

  • dolores says:

    i was put on vytorin from 2007 thru 2008 after realizing it was the drug that was making me feel the way i did i took myself off and told my doctor i was not gonna take anymore i was having alot of pain and when i would get out of bed i would loose my equelib. felt like i was gonna faint and had to get a grip on something to keep my bal.

    Posted on November 13, 2009 at 3:34 pm

  • Lanore says:

    i am taking zetia at the present time, but have had over all muscle pain for the last 6-7 year. I don’t kn ow if the pain is from the zetia or something else. I can’t say that it has help my chol much. Would be interested in learning more on zetia. Thank you

    Posted on November 13, 2009 at 10:14 pm

  • Rose says:

    I took vytorin since early 2000. I did suffer from a heart attack while on the drug. It was April of 2006. Since then my cardiologist took me of the drug and started me on simvastatin . Since I was on the vytorin I became
    a diabetic and have been treated for high blood sugar, year 2007 .Please advise the procedure for the lawsuit.

    Posted on November 14, 2009 at 12:50 pm

  • Mamie says:

    PLEASE HELP ME!!!
    I HAVE BEEN ON ZITIA & CRESTOR FOR OVER FIVE YEARS.
    MY BODY FEELS LIKE IT IS READY TO SHUT DOWN
    I CANNOT EAT OR SLEEP.
    MY DOCTOR ME THE DRUGS ALONE WITH ANXITY AND SLEEP AIDE TO (I FEEL FOR MONEY) TO MASK THE DAMAGE THE AITA & CRESTOR SIDE EFFECTS.
    ARE THE DOCTORS INCLUDED IN THE LAW SUIT.

    Posted on November 16, 2009 at 3:36 pm

  • Paticia says:

    I have been taking Zetia for 5 years after having a stroke – I did not take zetia before the stroke..Are there presently any suits filed for Zetia users? I heard on the news that vytorin and zetia cause strokes/and or heart attacks..Have there been further news investigations regarding this probem….I am currently having a decrease function for kidneys….has anyone else had any decrease in functions of the kidneys?

    Posted on November 16, 2009 at 7:46 pm

  • Beverly says:

    How nice to know my problems are not in my head. I too have been taking Zetia for a few years. Have experienced stomach pains over this period of time but assumed it was a natural side effect until it became progressively worse as well as a gradual extreme tiredness as if weights had been placed on my arms, also some joint pain. I took myself off of Zetia a few weeks ago as it never seemed to bring the cholesterol reading down. I will be relaying this information to my doctor within the next few weeks.

    Posted on November 20, 2009 at 3:24 pm

  • Bernard says:

    Have been taking zetia for about 5 years. I responded to an ad on tv concerning zetia users who were interested in participating in the class action suit. It has been two weeks and I have not received a response. Does anyone know the process for becoming part of this class action suit.

    Posted on November 23, 2009 at 11:59 pm

  • tonda says:

    i started taking zetia in 2004 had a heart attack in 2006

    Posted on December 12, 2009 at 11:50 am

  • Susan says:

    I was taking Vytorin in 2004 after I had Caroid Artery Surgery. I was on it 2 years and then in 2006 My artery blocked again I had many mini strokes and I had to have a stent put in to open the artery. I had to go off Vytorin because of muscle cramps so bad I could not move. I am now taking Zetia and hoping that saves me.

    Posted on December 25, 2009 at 2:38 pm

  • Nancy says:

    I have had blood vessels in my hand apparently rupture and veins have become enlarged. Also knee pain-had back surgery-benign tumor in spine- still have knee pain all night. Wonder if it could be the meds = callled pharmacy today they said it could be the vytorian. Said call doctor or go to hospital. This has happened before on the other hand- goes away and comes back at different times- don’t know why???

    Posted on December 31, 2009 at 12:34 am

  • Linda says:

    I have been taking Vytorin for almost 2 years and have been experiencing muscle pain, tightness in my neck and shoulder for almost the same length of time. Exercise, anti-inflammatory medicines nor cortisone shots seem to get rid of the pain. I ran out of my prescription and was without the medicine for a few days and noticed it seemed as though I did not have as much tightness in my neck/shoulder and my arm was not hurting as much. I then decided to do research on Vytorin on the web and discovered my symptoms could be side effects from Vytorin. I confirmed this with my doctor’s office and she recommended I stay off the Vytorin for 30 days and see if my symptoms went away. My arm, neck and shoulder is already starting to feel better. I can actually raise my arm over my head and not feel any pain. FDA needs to take a closer look as this medicine and its side effects.

    Posted on January 10, 2010 at 2:21 am

  • Frank says:

    I have been on Zetia since August 2004. I am responding to your TV ad.

    Posted on February 4, 2010 at 7:19 pm

  • Carol says:

    I started taking Vytorin in 2004 and suffered a mild heart attack in Aug. 2005 and a massive heart attack in Oct. 2005. I also started NicodermCQ in June 2005. After the heart attack in Oct. 2005, I was put on Zetia, Crestor,Niaspan and Niacin tablets. In Jan. 2009, I was taken off all cholesterol meds and put on Symvastatin. In Jan. 2010, Iwas taken off Symvastatin and started taking Crestor. During all these Cholesterol Meds, my levels are still high.

    Posted on February 24, 2010 at 10:30 pm

  • RUTH says:

    I HAVE TAKEN VIRORIN AND ZETIA FOR YEARS I HAVE HAD MILD HEART ATTACTS THEN ON A;UG 12 I HAD CONGESTIVE HEART FAILUER AND TWO OR THREE WEEKS LATER I HAD A STROKE THEN THE DR. TOOK ME OFF ZETIA

    Posted on April 5, 2010 at 4:23 pm

  • Priscilla says:

    I have been taking Zetia, and is interested in the class action suit.

    Posted on May 25, 2010 at 12:01 pm

  • Jeff says:

    My partner of 17 years was prescribed 80/10 dosage even though Lipitor had him consistently at around 200.

    Within 5 months he suffered rhabdomyleosis.
    (That nasty “side-effect” in the warning.)
    Within days he was hospitalized and almost died.
    Rhabdo literally eats your muscles. (and your heart is a muscle.)
    Within months he had 3 heart attacks and went code blue twice.
    Surviving that his kidneys went into decline and is now in end stage renal failure requiring 3 times a week dialysis.

    He was under the care of a physician who supposedly did the proper blood tests to prevent this.

    It has been a nightmare that continues to unfold.
    Do the smart thing. Change your diet and if you experience any muscle pain stop taking any statin and call your doctor.

    His only complaint before the rhabdo set in was his muscles ached like he exercised too much. Within 24-48 hours he was in ICU.

    Posted on May 27, 2010 at 11:56 am

  • Zoe says:

    No wonder I feel like crap (literally)……..ZETIA must go!
    Aches, pains, diarhhea, anxiety, etc. Very little difference in cholesterol but I am going to hopefully “live” without taking any MORE CHOLESTEROL pills! I’ve taken THEM ALL, statins inc. & have suffered from embarassment on several occasions…..ever go out on a dive in the Virgin Is. & have to badly go? OMG! I will NOT suffer anymore…I am too busy doing fun things in Arizona.

    Posted on June 3, 2010 at 2:29 pm

  • Al says:

    In 2006 i had a mild heart attack and two stents were inserted. My doctor percribed lipitor and a few months later change to vytorin. My lab numbers have been good most of the time. The side effects have been minimal. However, after reading much of the information submitted by many patients, I have concerns about the long term effect.
    My doctor and i will have a talk about an alternative natural source. I pray durgs will regain its purpose to make life simple and not complicated.

    Posted on June 20, 2010 at 5:30 pm

  • WILLIAM says:

    I have been on Vytorin for approx 4 years with none of the problems mentioned above. That’s really scary. I physician’s nurse called me and informed me that my platelets were low 90,000. I never had this problem before. The only change in medication has been from Lipitor to Vytorin. I contacted phamacist (company) that supplies Vytorin to me and was informed that during Clinical Trials it showed that Vytorin reduced ones platelets. Could this be what is causing the problem?? Has anyone else had this problem? Thank you.

    Posted on July 4, 2010 at 3:10 pm

  • Maurnsbel says:

    I was put on Zetia for high cholesterol and had excruciating pain in both hands and I had muscle atrophy in both arms. I didn’t have enough strength to turn on my car key. I stopped taking it and I still am having strength issues with my hands. To this day my doctor denys that Zetia was the cause but that was the only thing that had changed in my medications. The pain stopped and it toook 6 months to a year to get some strength back.

    Posted on June 1, 2011 at 5:51 pm

  • jan says:

    I have had three very good friends on statins who all developed pancreatic cancer. Joe was the picture of health. His cholesterol was high and his doctor recommended vytorin. His first symptoms were dyarrhea leading to a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He died a year later of pancreatic cancer.

    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:16 pm

  • George says:

    In 2004 I was walking on my own two feet. I took Vytorin from 2005 to 2008..Pain was devloping in my knees ,left hip, and back.I stopped taking
    vytorin and the pain ceased progressing but did not go away.Now I cannot stand on my own feet and have to use awalker all the time. I have had treatments by a Kinesiiologist,chiropractor,and physical therapist. Nothing helps. I can no longer do household chores and gardening.Physical motion is a painful effort.I need help.

    Posted on June 21, 2011 at 1:29 pm

  • John says:

    I have been taking Vytorin 10/40 for about 3-4 years and i quit taking it last year due to muscle aches and still to this day my legs, shoulders,and lower back still hurts

    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 1:51 pm

  • Joe says:

    I have been on ZETIA (10MG) for about 2 1/2 months. I’ve tried various statins and got bad muscle and joint pain. My brother and mother had similar issues with statins. I refused to take them anymore, even with my doctor pushing. Being the walking dead is not a good solution. My primary then put me on Niacin, high does Omega3 and nothing seems to do a thing to create balance. I have High triglycerides and low good cholesterol so the next try was fenofibrate, got a bit of postive change but still out of balance to what they say is correct. Then the Zetia was added. I was told it blocks fat absorbtion and may give me diaria. Only thing I have now is rocks in my gut. Daily fiber doesn’t even help. I did not make much of it until recently. I had been in a car accident about the same time as the med change. Nausea and bad growing stomach pain every day, all day and night. I thought it was as a result of a mild concusion. I may have started that way but it was getting worse not better. Ihad to try something. I was miserable so I stopped taking the Zetia three days ago. Amazing, my stomach is starting to feel better, nausea is almost gone. Now after reading all the comments, looks like I may have save my life stopping taking another drug that mkaes you sicker than what it may or may not help. Gonna get my blood checked this week but I suspect my triglycerides have not changes as a result of Zetia.>>> I’ll stick with the Omega-3 and a new item my nutritionest recommended, Chromium Picolinate. I wish you all luck… Remember, Doctors are still blood letting, it’s just a little more sophisticated now. SOme good, some bad>> You have to take care of yourself #1. Read, Read, Read

    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 12:48 am

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