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A new study raises fresh concerns about Zetia and its cousin, Vytorin - drugs that are still taken by millions of people to lower cholesterol, despite questions raised last year about how well they work.

The original article can be found at: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/health/971683/study-raises-questions-about-zetia-pill

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This is a very detailed and insightful summary of recent studies that reaffirm the efficacy of an old drug niacin (Vit B3) and cast further doubt on the value of a relatively new drug (ezetimibe) when these are combined with the well established statins in the prevention of heart attacks. The story covers the study methods and limitations, the competing interests of the researchers, the costs of therapy and has excellent commentary from both company advocates and independent experts. The only issue not covered in an otherwise excellent story is the adverse effects of these drugs. Niacin is well known to cause flushing of the skin, which reduces on continued treatment and may be partly prevented by low dose aspirin or formulations that release the substance slowly into the circulation.

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