Comments on: Vytorin Researcher Accuses Congress of Harassment

By: CJ

CJ — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 23:43:14 +0000

The father of cardiology Dr Braunwald of harvard university is perhaps one of the best cardiologists in the world. Sir Richard Peto is arguably the best leading cancer stastician in the Universe as stated by Dr. Braunwald himself.
These two both have stated that Vytorin is not linked to cancer as per SEAS trial, end of story.

By: Lipid Guy

Lipid Guy — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:26:58 +0000

Arrogant Brit! His “analysis” may provide a little reassurance, but the jury is out until the results of IMPROVE-IT in 2013-2014. In the meantime, the patients will just have to assume the risk that what they’re taking may increase the cancer incidence and death rate. But don’t worry, Sir Richard Peto is not worried about you!

By: Justice in MI

Justice in MI — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:17:30 +0000

Thanks, Marilyn - No, this came through conversations with John. I think there is more than what appeared in Lancet - I’ll post if he provides relevant references.

By: Marilyn Mann

Marilyn Mann — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:54:31 +0000

I am not in total agreement with John Abramson. I agree that statins are over-prescribed for primary prevention. However, I do not think the mere fact that someone is a woman necessarily means that they should not take a statin for primary prevention (BTW, diabetes is a coronary risk equivalent, so treatment of people with diabetes is not considered primary Prevention). It would depend on their overall cardiovascular risk. Gender is certainly a big part of that, but there are high risk women just like there are high risk men. In any case, the clinical trial evidence Abramson and Wright were discussing in that commentary did not include people with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

By: Marilyn Mann

Marilyn Mann — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:27:32 +0000

John Abramson wrote a piece that was published in The Lancet, “Are lipid-lowering guidelines evidence-based?” Is that what you are referring to?

By: Christopher

Christopher — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:07:17 +0000

JiM,
As I said I was not directing my comments towards DrMrsJiM. I wouldn’t dream of doing that. My comment was more directed towards the accepting public who willingly undertake a lifetime of medication for something which could be treated by a lifestyle adjustment.

On statins, I’m watching to see more long term use data emerge. I think we know too little of the long term effects these drugs have, especially the more potent ones.

By: Justice in MI

Justice in MI — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:58:45 +0000

As memory serves, this was in a presentation by John Abramson who happens to be an old friend. I will contact him for reference.

By: Marilyn Mann

Marilyn Mann — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:29:55 +0000

Justice,

Can you discuss the evidence for your statement that statins increase morbidity and all-cause mortality in women over 65?

Marilyn

By: Justice in MI

Justice in MI — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:48:43 +0000

I feel somewhat embarrassed to have brought Mrs. Justice (actually fellow Dr. Justice) into the good offices of Pharmalot. So I will simply say thanks to Marilyn and, to Christopher: She ate like a bunny and worked (outside) like a horse. Which has also been good for the home life.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:21:21 +0000

There is so much expertise here which makes me reluctant to offer a layman’s opinion but rather like JiM’s wife, I too was stick thin, age 35 and carried a total cholesterol of close to 300 ( I think >269). I didn’t feel as if I did but there it was. I chose not to take statins , but I did follow a simple diet change. And surprise, surprise my total dropped to 192 in a month. The things I was eating - although I thought I knew better (don’t we all) - were the primary cause. All this talk of family history, predisposition etc is OK but ultimately it’s up to us what we shovel down our throats. Please JiM, I am not referring to your wife. It’s simply, once again, back to assuming personal responsibility first, and only then considering drug intervention. Of course, that’s my opinion. I’m 50 now and so far follow roughly the dietary guidelines I was given then. It’s not hard and it’s better than adopting a life-long regimen of drug dependency. And cheaper.