- Ezetimibe/Simvastatin (marketed as Vytorin), Ezetimibe (marketed as Zetia), and Simvastatin (marketed as Zocor): Early Communication about an Ongoing Data Review
- Audience: Cardiovascular healthcare professionals and patients
[UPDATE 01/08/2009] The FDA has completed its review of the final clinical study report of ENHANCE and issued an update.
[Posted 01/25/2008] FDA provided healthcare professionals with an early communication about an ongoing data review for Ezetimibe/Simvastatin (marketed as Vytorin), Ezetimibe (marketed as Zetia), and Simvastatin (marketed as Zocor). This early communication is in keeping with FDA's commitment to inform the public about ongoing postmarketing drug issues.
Merck/Schering Plough Pharmaceuticals reported preliminary results from the Effect of Combination Ezetimibe and High-Dose Simvastatin vs. Simvastatin Alone on the Atherosclerotic Process in Patients with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (ENHANCE) trial. This trial was designed to evaluate the amount of atherosclerotic plaque in blood vessels located in the neck based on images obtained through ultrasound in patients treated with Vytorin (ezetimibe plus simvastatin) or simvastatin alone. Merck/Schering Plough stated that there was no significant difference between Vytorin and simvastatin in the amount of atherosclerotic plaque in the inner walls of the carotid (neck) arteries despite greater lowering of LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) with Vytorin compared to simvastatin. Once Merck/Schering Plough completes the analysis of the unblinded data from ENHANCE, it will submit a final study report to FDA. Once FDA receives the final study report, FDA estimates it will take approximately 6 months to fully evaluate the data. After reviewing the data from the ENHANCE study, and considering all other available information about the link between LDL lowering and reduction of cardiovascular events, FDA will determine whether any further regulatory action is warranted with regard to Zetia and Vytorin and also whether any changes to FDA's current approach to drugs that lower LDL cholesterol are warranted.
Patients should talk to their doctors if they have any questions about the information from the ENHANCE trial.
[January 08, 2009 - Update of Safety Review - FDA]
[July 18, 2008 - Making Sense of Vytorin Concerns - Consumer Q & A - FDA]
[January 25, 2008 - Early Communication about an Ongoing Data Review - FDA] -
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- Cordis Corporation Dura Star RX and Fire Star RX PTCA Balloon Catheters
- Audience: Cardiovascular healthcare professionals, hospital risk managers
[Posted 01/25/2008] Cordis Corporation and FDA informed healthcare professionals of a Class I recall of All Fire Star and Dura Star balloon catheters, lots 13173912 through 13315455, plus 52 additional lots above 13315455. Balloon catheters are used in a medical procedure (known as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or PTCA) to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels or arteries of the heart. The product has a potential for slow deflation or no deflation of the angioplasty balloon when inserted into the artery or other blood vessels. This may potentially result in a total blockage of the artery or blood vessels, resulting in a change in the heart rate or heart rhythm, injury to the heart artery, a heart attack, need for a surgical procedure, or death.
[January 25, 2008 - Recall Notice - FDA] -
- Leukine (sargramostim)
- Audience: Oncologists, hematologists, other healthcare professionals
[Posted 01/24/2008] Bayer and FDA informed healthcare professionals of the market withdrawal of the current liquid formulation of Leukine, a growth factor that helps fight infection and disease in appropriate patients by enhancing immune cell function. The product was withdrawn because of an upward trend in spontaneous reports of adverse reactions, including syncope (fainting), which are temporally correlated with a change in the formulation of liquid Leukine to include edetate disodium (EDTA). The upward trend in adverse reaction reporting rates has not been observed with the use of lyophilized Leukine. Healthcare professionals should immediately stop using liquid Leukine and return unused vials to the manufacturer.
[January 23, 2008 - Dear Healthcare Professional Letter - Bayer Healthcare] -
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