Lovastatin, a commonly used cholesterol medication, is not considered to be in the same medication family as Zetia or the combination medication Vytorin. All three medications you have mentioned do help in treatment of elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but work in different ways to achieve this.
Lovastatin (Mevacor®) is in the class of medications known as HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, or more commonly “statins.” Statins such as lovastatin work by inhibiting or stopping the enzyme responsible for making cholesterol. By stopping the enzyme, there is a decrease in cholesterol production, which helps to lower your cholesterol levels.
Zetia is known as anti-lipemic agent and is not in the same class as lovastatin. Zetia works by stopping the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, which decreases cholesterol stores in the body and ultimately lowers your cholesterol levels.
Vytorin is a combination of Zetia and a statin medication called simvastatin (which is in the same medication class as lovastatin). This medication works by stopping the production of cholesterol and the absorption of cholesterol in the body.
As far as questioning the effectiveness of Vytorin and Zetia, the new study is referred to as the ARBITER 6-HALTS trial. This clinical trial compared Niacin and Zetia (both in combination with a statin) and their effects on reducing arterial wall thickening. The results of the trial were very similar and Niacin was slightly better at prevention of thickening in the artery wall. Although Zetia was shown to be less effective than Niacin in this aspect, many more trials must be conducted with more patients to actually prove these findings. This was an initial study and no absolute conclusion from this study can be made at this time.
In conclusion, lovastatin is safe and effective to use and you should not switch medications based on these study results. The study was simply a comparison of Niacin and Zetia, neither of which you are taking. A medication switch to Niaspan is not recommended or necessary at this time. If you have any questions or concerning regarding the study or your medications, please contact your physician.
Submitted by John Mallet, PharmD Candidate
Ohio Northern University College of Pharmacy
