Merck & Co. Inc. announced the company is taking steps to suspend the availability of TREDAPTIVE(TM) (nicotinic acid/laropiprant, MSD) modified-release tablets worldwide. The company is taking these steps based on the current understanding of the preliminary data from the HPS2-THRIVE (Heart Protection Study 2-Treatment of HDL to Reduce the Incidence of Vascular Events) study, and in consultation with regulatory authorities.

The company is also recommending that physicians review treatment plans for patients taking TREDAPTIVE in a timely manner to discontinue TREDAPTIVE and consider other changes in therapy to achieve their dyslipidemia management goals. In the meantime, Merck & Co. Inc. encourages patients with questions to speak with their health care provider, and to not discontinue therapy without first speaking with their physician.