New Study Raises New Questions About Cholesterol Drug Zetia

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I have been on Zetia for a couple of years!
I had been on statins that resulted in bleeding liver problems!
The cost of the patented, and therefore high cost,Zetia is a burden for users!
Is there any alternative?

Frank Drozdick of MA 10:33AM November 17, 2009

I've been on Zetia for a couple of years and want to know if there is a procedure/test to see if my arteries are opened sufficiently. Without taking simvastatin (I was on Lipitor)and Zetia my cholesterol (over-all) was approx. 240. My blood pressure is boderline ± 5 - 8 points 120 / 80. I also have ED, and my ability has deminished, but am not sure if it's related to artirial issues.
I can't get a Dr. to take this serious enough to check my concerns with my arteries, as my Dad had a stroke when he was approx 65 and I almost there. He was a smoker and I'm not.

Bill Golen of MA 9:53AM November 17, 2009

The best thing I can say about this article is that it at least includes that the "study" was funded by the maker of Niaspan. Nowadays, most such press reports don't even bother to tell who funded the so-called study. This is clearly nothing but another media "medi-ad".

M. B. of GA 9:08AM November 17, 2009

For anyone, such as myself, who has suffered from flushing while taking niacin, knows that it is not a proper substitute for all patients. In my case, an intense sensation of warming would occur without warning at anytime day or night, last at least an hour, and keep me awake at night or very uncomfortable during the day.
My advice is try it first and if you can avoid the side effects, continue to use it. But for many patients, another alternative will be needed.

Scott of NV 12:49PM November 16, 2009

Of course Taylor would champion Niaspan over time-release niacin commonly available in good health-food stores! He's received payment from Abbot Labs for pushing their product. Let's make all vitamins and herbs only available by prescription! Perhaps that would satisfy the pharmaceutical companies holding unto their huge profits in drug trafficing? This is about MONEY, not curing human beings of their ailments. Patients can continue to be guinea pigs to the medical profession, or learn and study what constitutes good health on their own. "Over-the-counter niacin...is not considered a useful alternative..." to maintaining the profits of Abbot Labs and their medical supporters. Plain and Simple.

James Creasy of PA 12:08PM November 16, 2009

In response to Howard Jonas comment ... could you post WHY it is contraindicated to take Niacin or Niacin-amide with a statin drug. Is this true for Niaspan as well. Could you please explain further and explain side effects.

John Reed of WA 11:42AM November 16, 2009

Sloppy reporting- It should be noted that it is contraindicated to take Niacin or Niacin-amide with a statin drug. After hearing about this "200" patient study, I can picture patients who are already taking a statin along with Zetia (an approved combo), stopping the Zetia and substituting the cheaper (and contraindicated) Niacin. This is another example of minimal depth reporting by our continually disappointing news media.

Howard Jonas, D.O. of VT 10:16AM November 16, 2009

`Cholesterol has NEVER killed anyone, if is a sign something in your body is malfunctioning. If they lower your cholesterol artificially, they will KILL YOU.

tsanz of NY 10:12AM November 16, 2009

This article has mixed up Vytorin and Zetia. Vytorin is the combo drug (statin plus ezetimibe) and Zetia is simply ezetimibe.

Carla Gibson of MT 9:45AM November 16, 2009

Alternative medicine doctors have already proved that diet, exercise and supplements are more effective than Lipitor. Its all about money and greed for drug companys and the doctors they own.

T of 9:36AM November 16, 2009