Study: Popular cholesterol drug may not work

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Dr. Kim Mulvihill reporting A popular cholesterol drug is under more scrutiny after the results of a key study. The study on Vytorin, which is made up of the prescription drugs Zetia and Zocor, suggests it does nothing to prevent plaque from clogging the arteries.

People who've been taking Vytorin and its component Zetia should not stop. But you should talk to your doctor because experts say, while there's nothing wrong with the drug, it doesn't help as much as other medications.

Scientists recommended both drugs only be used as a last resort because researchers found they work no better than a cheap generic.

"People were assuming that drugs that lowered cholesterol to the same extent would produce comparable benefits. Well, they didn't. At least they don't appear to, and until we have evidence to the contrary we want physicians to stick with what we know works," said Dr. David Nissen, cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

Today competitor Astra-Zeneca stopped a trial of its drug Crestor after an independent panel found Crestor prevents heart attack, stroke and death.

The bottom line, according to the latest science: Vytorin and Zetia do work, but no better than cheaper statins like Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor. Those drugs also protect your heart.

Trials to determine whether Vytorin and Zetia prevent heart attack and strokes won't be done for another four years.

E-mail: drkim@ksl.com