What is the difference between zetia and vytorin

The 18, study participants either had a recent heart attack or worsening chest pain from a severely clogged artery. About 1. Half were given Vytorin and the rest were given Zocor alone. Average LDL levels went from 95 at the start of the study to 70 with Zocor and 54 with the combo pill Vytorin. About 15 percent of Zocor users had a heart attack versus 13 percent of those on Vytorin. Other heart-related problems also were less common with Vytorin. For every 56 people taking Vytorin for seven years, one additional heart attack, stroke or heart-related death would be prevented.

The study was sponsored by Merck and many doctors involved in it consult for the company or other heart drug makers. Zetia is available in tablets of 10mg. Vytorin is available in dosages of 10mg, 20mg, 40mg and 80mg. Both are prescribed for lowering cholesterol, but Vytorin is known to have some effect in lowering chances of heart attack as it contains a statin.

Zetia can be prescribed for patients who are contraindicated for statin use or who have been trying a statin for long with no significant cholesterol-lowering effect. Both medications should be taken along with a strict program of exercise and diet.

This goes a long way in helping to reduce cholesterol levels. It is also important to inform your doctor of all your allergies and medications you are presently taking. These drugs can have side effects and may interact with other medications. Vytorin and Zetia are cholesterol reducing drugs which are prescribed to bring a balance in the cholesterol levels in the body.

Both act similarly, i. The chief difference is the content of these two brands which is a statin. Vytorin is basically Zetia in combination with simvastatin in the same tablet. Either drug should not be taken without a medical consultation. These drugs help in reducing cholesterol but should be taken along with a strict diet and exercise. Difference between vytorin and zetia.

Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. MLA 8 P, Rachita. Name required. Heavy marketing of Zetia, and then later Vytorin, quickly catapulted U. This study compared patients taking either Vytorin or Zocor. By using ultrasounds to examine the neck arteries of these patients from both groups, researchers hoped to determine if the combination drug, Vytorin, had lowered the incidence of plaque buildup in their arteries better than the statin alone.

The study indicated that Vytorin patients had no less plaque in their arteries than those taking only Zocor. In fact, those taking Vytorin actually had slightly more plaque. They had better health outcomes if they met both targets, as measured by cardiovascular death, major coronary event, or stroke. The combined therapy showed no significant adverse effects, especially related to the risk of cancer. One reason for the improved results: The first study covered only people and the newer study looked at 18, over a longer period.

Time and a larger research cohort showed Vytorin to be beneficial despite the controversy. According to American Heart Association guidelines for cholesterol treatment, ezetimibe is considered a second-line therapy. Statins remain the "cornerstone" therapy, although ezetimibe is the most-prescribed non-statin cholesterol drug. Currently, healthcare providers may prescribe Zetia or Vytorin for people who need to have low LDL cholesterol levels and cannot reach those levels with high-dose statin therapy or who cannot tolerate high-dose statin therapy.

Ezetimibe and statins are generally well-tolerated. Some potential side effects to watch for include:. Side effects may lessen or resolve as your body adjusts to the medication. If you have been prescribed Zetia or Vytorin and you're not sure it's right for you, check with your healthcare provider.

Ask whether there are circumstances that should keep you on the current course of treatment or if you should begin to explore some alternatives.

If your healthcare provider advises that you stay the course with Vytorin or Zetia:. The FDA continues to evaluate the findings of studies to determine whether any action is warranted. If you believe that you have suffered from side effects, or if you have experienced an adverse event such as a heart attack or stroke while taking Vytorin or Zetia, you are asked to report it to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. Looking to start a diet to better manage your cholesterol?

Changing lifelong eating habits can be scary at first, but our guide will make it easier. American Heart Association. Cholesterol medications. Updated November 18, Food and Drug Administration.