Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Vytorin

Generic Name: ezetimibe and simvastatin (Pronunciation: ez ET i mibe and SIM va stat in)

• What is ezetimibe and simvastatin (Vytorin)?
• What are the possible side effects of ezetimibe and simvastatin (Vytorin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ezetimibe and simvastatin (Vytorin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ezetimibe and simvastatin (Vytorin)?
• How should I take ezetimibe and simvastatin (Vytorin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Vytorin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Vytorin)?
• What should I avoid while taking ezetimibe and simvastatin (Vytorin)?
• What other drugs will affect ezetimibe and simvastatin (Vytorin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ezetimibe and simvastatin (Vytorin)?

Ezetimibe and simvastatin are cholesterol-lowering medicines. They reduce the amount of cholesterol (a type of fat) absorbed by the body and block the production of cholesterol in the body.

The combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin lowers "bad" cholesterol in the blood, (also called LDL, or low-density lipoprotein) and raises "good" cholesterol (also called HDL, or high-density lipoprotein). Lowering your LDL and raising your HDL cholesterol levels may reduce your risk of hardened arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and circulation problems.

Ezetimibe and simvastatin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Vytorin 10-10 mg

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Vytorin 10-20 mg

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Vytorin 10-40 mg

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Vytorin 10-80 mg

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What are the possible side effects of ezetimibe and simvastatin (Vytorin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using ezetimibe and simvastatin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine;
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• pancreatitis (severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate);
• easy bruising or bleeding; or
• vision problems.

Less serious side effects may include:

• numbness or tingly feeling;
• headache, dizziness, memory problems;
• depressed mood;
• constipation, diarrhea;
• cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose;
• joint pain, back pain; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ezetimibe and simvastatin (Vytorin)?

Ezetimibe and simvastatin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine before your cholesterol levels improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Your cholesterol will need to be measured with blood tests at regular intervals. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

In rare cases, ezetimibe and simvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine.