Vytorin Study comes under dispute
There seems to be a dispute between two studies on risks involving Vytorin. In recent trials, data provided to the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday showed no increased risk of cancer.
However, a recently published study called Seas, disputes these findings and found an increased risk of cancer and deaths from cancer in patients taking Vytorin, compared with those given a placebo.
According to a WSJ article, the new Seas study, released in July, has surprised investors and the medical community.
Click here to read more on this Vytorin Study dispute from the Wallstreet Journal. (Note: Subscription required)
Unfortunately, every drug on the market presents a risk of a list of possible side effects that should put the fear of G-d in every consumer. We see labels that say "can cause, blindness, deafness, liver damage, kidney damage, permanent loss of balance, allergic reaction, cancer, brain damage and sudden death" to name a few. Moreover, when talking a combination of drugs, there is an increased risk of adverse effects from the interaction.
The key to safer medication regimens is communication with patients, evaluating their health care literacy and helping them to participate in there care.
In hospitals, the nurses are supposed to diagnose the patient's response to the medications. Thus any adverse effects that go unreported and untreated is primarily a nursing failure.
However, in the home environment, the consumer has to take responsibility for reporting any untoward reactions, but the physician must provide adequate teaching and assessment of patient understanding and reliability.
Regarding the Seas study, I would want to see (no pun intended) the sample size, statistical model and the "p" value to determine whether the results where statistically significant. I can't imagine being in a study group whereby the doctor gives me a pill saying, "We want to see if this gives you cancer."
Hi, this is Ricky and as far I know Vytorin is drug used for treating the high levels of cholesterol. And I came to know by your post intake of Vytorin will result in cancer. My friend is taking that drug and I will inform him to take care of the drug. The research done by new Seas is great.
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Ricky Conway