Ezetimibe and Simvastatin



Vytorin™







Ezetimibe and Simvastatin

(ez ET i mibe & SIM va stat in)

U.S. Brand Names
Vytorin™
Pharmacologic Category
Antilipemic Agent, 2-Azetidinone; Antilipemic Agent, HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to ezetimibe, simvastatin, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have active liver disease or an increase in liver enzymes.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to slow the progress of heart disease.
  • This medicine is used to lower cholesterol and other harmful types of cholesterol in the body. Good cholesterol (HDL) levels increase.
  • This medicine is used to decrease triglycerides.
How does it work?
  • Simvastatin reduces cholesterol production.
  • Ezetimibe reduces the amount of cholesterol absorbed.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine in the evening.
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Do not take colestipol or cholestyramine within 4 hours of this medicine.
  • Avoid use with clarithromycin, cyclosporine, danazol, erythromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, or telithromycin.
  • Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Belly pain.
  • Feeling tired or weak.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Joint pain.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work (liver function). Talk with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Unusual muscle pain, back pain, tenderness, or weakness.
  • Flu-like symptoms.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Yellow skin or eyes.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: