A reader wrote in about treating high cholesterol with Vytorin. The medication Vytorin is a combination of the statin drug Zocor and the cholesterol lowering drug Zetia. The two drugs differ in that statins function mainly in the liver to reduce production of cholesterol, while Zetia works in the digestive tract to block the absorption of cholesterol from food.

Vytorin was in the news at the time due to a possible link to increased cancer risk, based on data that were themselves debated among experts. The reader asked for my thoughts.

First, discuss the best treatment option for you with your doctor, since they can weigh the latest safety data against your personal health history. There was also debate at the time about how effective Zetia is at preventing heart disease, not just lowering cholesterol numbers.

Eight steps to lower your cholesterol

Eight steps over eight days. The first one arrives right away.

Of course, I do not know your personal situation and if you have tried a statin with poor results in the past.

Anytime you have to take a medication, there is the risk of side effects.  Many times it’s simply a matter of weighing the pros and cons and deciding how much risk you’re willing to take.

Of course, I promote making lifestyle and diet changes to support heart health, in partnership with whatever treatment plan you and your doctor decide on together.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD