Vytorin - Zetia

WV Class Action

 

On February 5, 2008, the law firm of Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler along with several other law firms filed a statewide class action in the circuit court of Mason County, WV. Plaintiffs will petition the court for the certification of a statewide class action against manufacturing giants Merck and Schering-Plough, the manufacturers of Vytorin and Zetia.

Plaintiffs allege that defendants Merck and Schering-Plough knew as early as April, 2006 that Vytorin/Zetia was no more effective in reducing plaque build up than the generic drug Zocor, manufacured by Merck at 1/6 the cost.

The class action seeks disgorgement of profits and reimbursement to patients, insurers, and other 3rd party payors as a result of alleged overpayments for these drugs versus Zocor.

The Vytorin "cocktail" is composed of 2 drugs, Zocor (simvastatin) and Zetia (ezetimibe). Zocor is a generic statin that for years has been effective in reducing bad or LDL cholesterol, therefore reducing plaque and the risk of heart attack and stroke. Zocor works through the liver, while Zetia works in the intestinal tract. Zetia, although lowering cholesterol did not lower the risk of plaque buildup, thus resulting in a drug cocktail no more effective than the generic drug Zocor costing 1/6 of the price of Vytorin or Zetia.

Lead plaintiffs have been named in the pending class action suit. If the court grants the class action status, purchasers of Vytorin/Zetia will automatically be included in the case without the need to do anything further. Please see our frequently asked questions. If you desire additional information, please. Contact us or call us toll-free at 1-800-822-5667.

 

Vytorin-Zetia Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vytorin?
Vytorin is the combination of the brand name drugs Zetia and Zocor.

What is Zocor?
Zocor belongs to a class of drugs called statins which work in the liver to reduce cholesterol. Zocor is available in a generic form for about one third of the cost of Vytorin.

What is Zetia?
Zetia is a non-statin prescription drug manufactured by Schering Plough that works in the digestive tract to reduce cholesterol. Zetia is not available in a generic form.

Who makes Vytorin?
Vytorin was developed by a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc., and Schering Plough, Inc.

What is the basis for the lawsuit filed by your firm?
The class action lawsuit filed by this firm centers around allegations that the companies that make Vytorin have known since 2006 that the combination of Zocor and Zetia were no more effective than the generic version of Zocor in blocking the fatty arterial plaques that can cause heart attack and stroke.

Are doctors being sued?
No, the only parties being sued are Merck and Schering Plough.

Does the class action lawsuit include those people who have taken Zetia?
No, the class action lawsuit only includes claims for those people who took Vytorin.

If I live outside West Virginia, can I hire your firm to represent me?
No, the class action lawsuit filed by this firm is limited to West Virginia residents only.

If I live outside West Virginia, who may I contact regarding my possible claim regarding Vytorin?
Contact your State's Bar Association, Trial Lawyer Association, or Association for Justice and they may be able help you find a local attorney who is willing to represent you.

Does the lawsuit seek damages for adverse side effects or increased risk of stroke or heart attack?
No, the class action lawsuit only seeks the return of money to purchasers of Vytorin.

Does the class action lawsuit seek damages for the arterial plaque which may have developed while I took Vytorin?
No, the class action lawsuit only seeks the return of money to purchasers of Vytorin.

Are there any documents I need to keep?
Yes, please retain all pharmacy receipts or other records indicating that you purchased Vytorin. Also retain any old pill bottles or remaining supply of Vytorin.