Almost two years after the study ended, Merck and Schering-Plough have finally released the results of a study that shows Zetia (and another pill containing it called Vytorin) actually adds to the dangerous plaque that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Taken with statins like Zocor, it shows some minimal advantages, but alone it is not only a failure in controlling fatty plaque buildup but actually contributes to it.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee is investigating why the negative results of the study were sat on for TWO YEARS. It was estimated that at least 5 million patients around the workd are being prescribed this medication.

Anyone have any thoughts on this, or have read any similar reports?

(This was reported in the January 15 St Paul Pioneer Press, page 3A)

I read about it a couple days ago in the NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/business/14cnd-drug.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin). This jumped out at me:
The results will also add to the controversy surrounding a long delay in releasing the results of the trial. Merck and Schering-Plough completed the trial in April 2006 and had initially planned to release the findings no later than March 2007. But the companies then missed several self-imposed deadlines, citing the complexity of the data analysis from the study and saying they did not know when or if the data would be ready for publication.

Last month, after several news articles highlighted the delay, they finally agreed to release the results soon. Very complex data that may never be reportable. You noticed? It'll be right out!

Class action lawsuit to recoup costs of treatment is one option.

And this is why I'd like to lower my cholesterol naturally, screw taking meds. Hell, anymore I have to wonder if any medication is safe.

At least this isn't for Viagra or meds that make your wiener stand up. That'd be quite a shock.

More than a few men would end up a little testy over that.

They sure wood.

They sure wood.


Oh, Oh, that was 2/3 of a pun. P U :D

Am i the only one who ever thought? an erection lasting more than 3 hours! call the doctor?!! fuck that!! i'm calling a hooker!!

While this is the first i've heard of this i'm with Fil. I'd rather lick Fischer-Price toys than trust my health to modern drug companies.

If you have an erection that lasts more than three hours....

How many times have you heard that in the Viagra adds?

Actually, I think it's a marketing strategy. After all, how many men with erectile dysfunction would NOT use a product where the possible side effect was a three hour erection? Come on, that's a warning? I think not... it's a subtle marketing ploy.

Want a warning? How about....

Use of this product can have side effects such as penile explosion or rupturing, anal implosion due to lack of blood elsewhere in the lower abdomen, and loss of consciousness due to low blood pressure.

There's a warning for ya :P

I've often said I'd only call my doctor in that situation, if she were cute and willing.....

And Gandaar, that's 1 hell of a warning :eek: !

WTH is anal implosion?!? What kind of warning is that? Who would take this shit knowing that?! OMG.