Zetia Lawsuit
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Zetia Lawsuit
Drug manufacturers Merck and Schering-Plough are being sued over their drug Zetia, a cholesterol medication that was introduced in 2002. Zetia lowers LDL, the so-called “bad” cholesterol and enhances HDL, the “good” cholesterol. LDL contributes to the development of fatty tissue (plaque) in arteries which in turn leads to cardiovascular ‘events’ such as heart attacks and strokes.
Following the introduction of Zetia the drug firms conducted a study, completed in 2006, which showed that while Zetia indeed lowered LDL levels it did nothing to reduce heart attacks or strokes. In addition, the study suggests that Zetia may lead to heightened enzymes that cause liver problems. The study was not made public until the New York Times ran a story on it in December of 2007. The results of the study and the failure of Merck and Schering-Plough to disclose it have triggered several lawsuits against the two companies.
There are a number of drugs on the market known as “statin” drugs that have proven to keep LDL levels low and reduce the frequency of cardiovascular events among heart patients. Examples are Zocor and Lipitor, probably the most widely used statins. Zetia, which lowers LDL through a different method than the statin drugs, has been marketed as an additional treatment for statin users that should enhance the protection from heart trouble. Merck also has a drug on the market under the name of Vytorin that combines a dosage of Zetia and one of Zocor in a single pill.
Lawsuits filed in New Jersey, New York and Seattle assert that the drug companies withheld information proving that Zetia provided no reduction in the frequency of cardiovascular events among its users. The suits also assert that information indicating that Zetia could have an adverse impact on the liver was withheld, to the detriment of consumers.
At this point, all the lawsuits are demanding in monetary terms is the cost of the medication to the consumers named as plaintiffs. Most legal observers believe this is the tip of the iceberg, and that many suits asserting damaged health will follow. There are a number of side effects identified by the manufacturer which include potential kidney damage. Their research suggests potential liver damage as well, along with the fact that Zetia is completely ineffectual in lowering the root cause of heart attacks and strokes.
