Is Vytorin safe? Federal drug safety regulators said Thursday they are investigating whether the cholesterol-lowering drug Vytorin can increase patients’ risk of developing cancer.  However, the Food and Drug Administration said patients should not stop taking Vytorin because the evidence of a cancer link is unclear. While one recent clinical trial indicated higher rates of cancer for patients taking the medication, two studies currently under way have shown no increased risk, the FDA said. Meanwhile, senior lawmakers in Congress issued a demand for data on the clinical trial that indicated a cancer risk, ScienceDaily is reporting.  Vytorin has been heavily promoted, particularly in African-American communities, as a novel way to reduce cholesterol. The drug is a combination of Zocor, a statin drug, which reduces the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver, and Zetia, which limits the amount of cholesterol absorbed through the digestive system. But the combination became a focus of controversy after a study earlier this year showed it was no better at reducing the buildup of plaque in the arteries than the much cheaper generic, Zocor. Separately, on Thursday, leaders of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee asked the companies for extensive data on the clinical trial that indicated a possible cancer risk for Vytorin. Merck and Schering-Plough said they would cooperate with the panel. The companies defend the drug, saying it is effective at reducing cholesterol – its approved use.
How could Upshaw die so soon after diagnosis?

Vital Signs: Questions surface after football legend Gene Upshaw died this week of pancreatic cancer. How could he and others stricken with the disease die so soon after they are diagnosed? Vital Signs has answers.

He was the controversial leader of the players’ union

Gene Upshaw, an 11-time All-Pro NFL lineman and the executive director of the NFL players’ union, has died of complications from pancreatic cancer, The Associated Press reports. He was 63. A longtime on-the-field force for the Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Raiders, Upshaw was also the longest-tenured labor leader in sports. But it was in the latter job that drew the most criticism, as many players often contended that Upshaw was not as effective as he could have been in fighting for the rights of players, particularly those of older players, who had sacrificed their knees, necks and neglected families for the sake of the league. Critics noted that many of those older players have suffered life-altering ailments from their football days, a time before lucrative salaries and pensions, and should be better compensated. Upshaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. He is survived by his wife, Terri, and sons, Justin, Daniel and Eugene Jr. Click to send condolences.