Vytorin

The active ingredients in Vytorin are ezetimibe and simvastatin. Ezetimibe, which is sold by itself under the brand name Zetia, is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor that prevents your body from absorbing too much cholesterol. Simvastatin is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor or statin. By blocking this enzyme’s action, simvastatin reduces hepatic (liver) production of cholesterol.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Vytorin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Vytorin:

• Take this medication with or without food in the evening.
• When taking simvastatin and ezetimibe, you might require regular blood testing.
• Make sure your healthcare provider is aware that you take Vytorin, particularly if you have had surgery, an infection, or an injury.
• Vytorin is but one component of a comprehensive therapy plan that also entails weight management, exercise, and diet. Pay strict attention to your doctor's recommendations.

The most common side effects of Vytorin seen in clinical trials include:

• Headache.
• Muscle pains or muscle problems (myopathy).
• Diarrhea.
• Tiredness.
• Flu-like symptoms, such as a sore throat and runny nose.
• Pain in the arms, legs, hands, and feet.
• Rash or skin changes.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Vytorin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Rhabdomyolysis, or muscular breakdown, manifests as fever, fatigue, dark brown urine, and muscle weakness and soreness. You are at an increased risk if you are taking higher doses of Vytorin, particularly Vytorin 10 mg/80 mg.
• Confusion, exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, stomach swelling, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, pale stools, loss of appetite, and black or brown urine are signs of serious liver problems.
• Allergic reactions to the medication include skin rash and hives, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, and shortness of breath.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Vytorin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Vytorin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Liver disease or abnormal liver function tests.
• A thyroid disorder.
• Unexplained muscle weakness or pain.
• A drinking problem.
• Heart disease.
• Kidney disease.
• An underactive thyroid.

• Combining Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin) with drugs that can interact dangerously, like gemfibrozil (Lopid), cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf, Sandimmune), azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, certain antiviral drugs, nefazodone, or cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf, Sandimmune).
• Issues with the liver.
• Breastfeeding and pregnancy.

After your first dose, Vytorin begins to work. You probably won't feel the effects of the medicine on your body because of the way it functions. To find out if the medication is helping you, however, your doctor will measure your cholesterol levels while you are receiving therapy.

When Vytorin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions.

• Antibiotics such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, and telithromycin.
• Antifungal drugs, such as voriconazole, posaconazole, ketoconazole, and itraconazole.
• Drugs for hepatitis C, such as telaprevir and boceprevir.
• HIV medications such as atazanavir, cobicistat, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and tipranavir.
• Bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine (Prevalite) or colesevelam (Welchol).
• Dronedarone.
• Amiodarone.
• Amlodipine.
• Colchicine.
• Cyclosporine.
• Danazol.
• Gemfibrozil.
• Nefazodone.
• Verapamil.
• Diltiazem.
• Fenofibric acid and fenofibrate.
• Lomitapide.
• Ranolazine.
• Niacin.
• Warfarin.
• Atorvastatin (Zocor).
• Daptomycin.
• Digoxin.
• Grapefruit juice.

The typical dose of Vytorin ranges from 10 mg/10 mg (ezetimibe/simvastatin) to 10 mg/40 mg (ezetimibe/simvastatin) by mouth once daily in the evening.

Your dose of Vytorin might differ if you have kidney problems or if you're taking other medications that interact with Vytorin.

Store Vytorin at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Merck is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Vytorin.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Vytorin available.

Do not stop taking Vytorin unless you speak to your healthcare provider first, as this could increase your risk of serious health complications.

If you are pregnant, do not use Vytorin, as your unborn child may be harmed by this medication. To avoid getting pregnant, use an effective birth control method. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medication and notify your doctor right away.

Vytorin may pass through breast milk and cause harm to your breastfed baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend the best way to feed your baby.