Vytorin

Ezetimibe + Simvastatin

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Vytorin

Vytorin is a combination of Ezetimibe and Simvastatin that is used for treatment of high blood cholesterol level. Vytorin reduces total cholesterol and LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol while it increases HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol.

Ezetimibe lowers to total blood cholesterol by blocking the absorption of cholesterol, including dietary cholesterol, from the intestine, but it has no affect on the absorption of triglycerides. Simvastatin component of Vytorin belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or commonly known as "statins". Statins reduce cholesterol by blocking an enzyme in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase) that is responsible for production of cholesterol. Statins lower total and LDL cholesterol in the blood. It also lowers triglycerides in blood. Statins (Simvastatin and other statins) also increase HDL cholesterol. Increased LDL cholesterol is an important cause of coronary artery disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels slows and may even reverse coronary artery disease. Raising HDL cholesterol levels also may slow coronary artery disease. FDA approved Vytorin in July, 2004.

Therapeutic Uses of Vytorin

Vytorin (Ezetimibe + Simvastatin) is used for reducing total cholesterol, LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol known as bad cholesterol, and triglycerides and for increasing HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol also known as good cholesterol.

Direction of use of Vytorin

It is recommended at the dose range of 10/10 mg to 10/80 mg of Vytorin, and it is taken once daily in the evening with or with out food. Treatment is generally started with 10/20 mg daily, but individuals who need more than a 55% reduction in LDL cholesterol can be started on 10/40 mg daily.

For best results, Vytorin should be used along with exercise and a proper diet (a low-cholesterol or low-fat diet), and a weight-loss program if you are overweight.

If You Miss a Dose of Vytorin

If you miss a dose of Vytorin, you should take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose of Vytorin and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time for missing a dose.

How to Store Vytorin

Vytorin should be stored at room temperature, 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to77 degrees F). Store it away from heat, moisture and light. Keep it out of reach of children. Do not store it in bathroom.

More Information About Vytorin

Do not share Vytorin with others or use it for treating other medical problems. Laboratory and/or medical tests like blood cholesterol levels, liver function tests etc. should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. Also to help reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes, check your blood pressure regularly, seek medical treatment if your blood pressure is high, and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or other health care provider for more details.

Precautions to be Taken While Taking Vytorin

Before taking Vytorin (Ezetimibe and Simvastatin combination), you should inform your doctor or other health care provider if you are allergic to it; or to other statins or if you have any allergy to any other substance.
Vytorin should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have active liver disease (as Simvastatin acts in liver).
Before taking this medication (Vytorin), you should inform your doctor or other health care provider about your medical history, especially of if you have history of heart disease, history of liver disease, kidney disease, underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism, poorly controlled diabetes, alcohol abuse.
Developing severe muscle damage is rare, but can sometimes lead to serious kidney problems.
Vytorin (Ezetimibe and Simvastatin combination) should be temporarily stopped if you have any condition which can increase your risk of developing kidney problems.
Before you stop taking Vytorin you should notify your doctor immediately if you have any of the following conditions like major surgery, trauma, serious illness (e.g., sepsis or severe metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte disorders), very low blood pressure, uncontrolled seizures etc.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your chance for serious side effects, as alcohol is also metabolized in liver (Simvastatin acts in liver).
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects of Vytorin, especially muscle damage.
Vytorin should never be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Vytorin, inform your doctor immediately. It is recommended that young girls and women of child-bearing age use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this drug. One of the conbination drugs (Simvastatin) may cause harm to your unborn fetus. It is not known if either drug passes into breast milk. A drug similar to simvastatin passes into breast milk, and because of this drug's potential risk of undesirable effects on a nursing infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using Vytorin (Ezetimibe and Simvastatin combination). Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Possible Adverse Effects of Vytorin

Headache is a common side effect of Vytorin. If headache persists or worsens, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Vytorin can sometimes cause muscle damage. Although uncommon, this may lead to very serious muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis, which in rare cases can be fatal.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any muscle pain, muscle tenderness, or weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness).
Inform your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur like yellowing eyes and skin (jaundice), dark urine, severe fatigue, stomach and/or abdominal pain, persistent nausea, change in the amount of urine etc.
A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but you should get immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction are skin rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing etc.
If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or other health care provider.

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