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Merck Agrees to Pay $41.5 Million in Vytorin Class Action Lawsuit

Merck Agrees to pay $41.5 million in Vytorin Class Action Lawsuit

The makers of the popular cholesterol drugs, Vytorin and Zetia, have agreed to pay $41.5 million in a Vytorin class action lawsuit.  Merck and Schering-Plough were accused of withholding unfavorable study results about the pharmaceutical blockbusters, Vytorin and Zetia, which showed that the drugs were not as effective at unclogging arteries as other less expensive alternatives. The study - completed almost two years prior to the release date - is one of several recent studies that has questioned the effectiveness of the drugs.

Merck and Schering-Plough released a statement stating the settlement was reached in order to avoid mounting legal costs. Neither company has acknowledged wrong doing or liability, and have continued to defended the drugs' efficiency and safety. Both companies have been held responsible in the lawsuit due to their recent merge in November 2009.

The Downfall of a Pharmaceutical Giant?

Several studies in the last two years have shown that a Niacin, a prescription of a common B vitamin, is far better at unclogging arteries than ezetimibe, the active ingredient in Zetia and Vytorin, at a substantially cheaper cost to the consumer. This comes as quite a blow to Vytorin, which combined with the sales of its sister drug Zetia, has raked in an astonishing $21 billion worldwide since 2003, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration has been questioned about whether they prematurely approved the drugs without researching the drugs' effectiveness or ability to prevent heart attacks. Merck waited three years after the drugs' FDA approval before conducting a research study to examine the effect on heart attack rates among Zetia and Vytorin patients.

Further studies will be conducted to examine the effectiveness of the drugs, including heart attack prevention; however results are not expected to be available until at least 2012. Leading cardiologists have advised patients to use cholesterol drugs like Zetia and Vytorin as a last resort, only if his or her cholesterol levels have not improved with other medications and/or life-style changes.

Do You Need Legal Advice Concerning Vytorin?

Oftentimes, patients pursue a Vytorin lawsuit to seek monetary compensation to cover medical treatments due to cardiovascular complications.  If you or a loved one has questions regarding a potential Vytorin Law suit, you may contact one of our experienced Vytorin Law firms. A Vytorin Lawyer can provide you with updates on Vytorin Side Effects, Vytorin-Cancer links or a possible Vytorin Recall. Contact a Vytorin Attorney using the form at the top of the page.

 

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