Vytorin (Ezetimibe/Simvastatin)

Do’s

• Take Vytorin by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily in the evening.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Inform your healthcare provider about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
• The usual maximum dose for simvastatin in this medication is 40 milligrams a day.
• If your healthcare provider has instructed you to take more than 40 milligrams of simvastatin, continue on that same dose. However, promptly discuss the risks and benefits of your higher dose with your healthcare provider.
• If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol, take Vytorin at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications to prevent any potential interactions.
• Take this medication regularly at the same time each day to get the most benefit from it.
• Continue to take this medication even if you feel well, as most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.
• Follow your healthcare provider's advice about diet and exercise, as it may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Don’ts

• Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed.
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your healthcare provider says you may do so safely, as grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Abnormal liver function tests
• Diarrhea
• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat

Serious Side Effects:

• Bloating
• Chills
• Constipation
• Darkened urine
• Fast heartbeat
• Fever
• Hives, itching, skin rash
• Hoarseness
• Indigestion
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea

Other serious side effects may occur. Consult a healthcare provider if any of these symptoms are experienced.

Discuss any concerns about side effects with your healthcare provider, as they can provide personalized guidance and address any questions you may have.

Certain drugs such as cyclosporine, danazol, gemfibrozil, fenofibrates, amiodarone, dronedarone, ranolazine, calcium channel blockers, and niacin may interact with Vytorin, leading to potential complications. Discuss all medications you are taking with your healthcare provider to avoid any adverse interactions.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before taking Vytorin, as its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.

Vytorin should not be used with specific drugs such as boceprevir, nefazodone, certain antibiotics, and antifungal medications. Discuss all current medications with your doctor to ensure their compatibility with Vytorin.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Vytorin, as it can increase the chance of side effects, particularly myopathy (muscle pain or weakness) and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure).

Vytorin should be used with caution in patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a past history of liver disease. Active liver diseases or unexplained persistent transaminase elevations are contraindications to the use of Vytorin.

Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to address any questions or concerns you may have about taking Vytorin.