Parker Waichman LLP

Senator McCain Quit Vytorin After ENHANCE

Many former Vytorin patients switched off the expensive drug after a study -called ENHANCE – released earlier this year showed it was no more effective than cheaper statins.  Now it turns out that one of those patients was none other than Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain. Vytorin, which was developed and marketed jointly by […]

Many former <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/vytorin">Vytorin patients switched off the expensive drug after a study -called ENHANCE – released earlier this year showed it was no more effective than cheaper statins.  Now it turns out that one of those patients was none other than Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain.

Vytorin, which was developed and marketed jointly by Merck and Schering-Plough, was approved for use by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004. Since it came on the market, Vytorin sales have reached $5 billion per year. Vytorin is a combination of cholesterol-lowering Zetia and the statin Zocor – known generically as simvastatin. Statins like Zocor reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver, while Zetia lessens the amount of cholesterol in food that is absorbed in the intestines. High cholesterol levels put a person at risk of developing clogged arteries – a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Doctors and Vytorin users were led to believe that the drug would effectively reduce both sources of cholesterol, thereby lessening the amount of plaque build up in the arteries, as well as the risk of having heart attacks and strokes.

But the ENHANCE study, which was released on January 14, showed that Vytorin and Zetia were ineffective in preventing clogged arteries, and might actually increase plaque in some users. In spite of the findings, Merck and Schering-Plough delayed releasing ENHANCE for more than a year – something critics of the company have likened to fraud. In March, the full ENHANCE study was vetted during the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology (ACC). A panel of four doctors concluded that Vytorin should be used only as a last resort, considering that the expensive drug did not provide any added benefits. “Our strongest recommendation is that people need to go back to statins,” said panel member Dr. Harlan Krumhotz.

Last week, the McCain campaign released the Senators health records.  Apparently, the presidential candidate was taking Vytorin until the ACC made its recommendation.  At that time, Sen. McCain’s internist had him start taking a generic statin instead.  Since the switch, the Senator’s LDL (bad) cholesterol has jumped from 83 to 123.  Some doctors who spoke with The Wall Street Journal were of the opinion that Sen. McCain should be taking a higher dose of the generic statin, or should switch to a more potent type of statin.

Some Vytorin critics also told the Journal that it was patients like McCain that caused them to be concerned about the once-popular drug.  Chris Cannon, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston said that there isn’t any evidence that combining 10 milligrams of Zetia and 10 milligrams of simvastatin reduces heart attack risk despite the lower LDL levels.  But patients like McCain, by achieving an LDL of 83, might be lulled into thinking they were getting the benefit.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Responsiveness Thank you so much to the team, particularly Benita Rollis, who handled my concerns promptly, efficiently and compassionately. Thank you again Benita for your help and kindness.
Christine M
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Nicole Copertino is the BEST. She is very knowledgeable and helpful. She give a clear understanding of your claim and takes the time to give a caring extra moment if u need it. Which means a lot.
NINA DEAN
2 weeks ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Thank you Michelle Josama at Parker and waichman for being so great from day one with my family and myself! It was a pleasure meeting and working with you! Thank you for your care and professionalism.
bfst6611 st
4 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038