Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Vytorin is a combination of ezetimibe
(Zetia) and simvastatin (Zocor) that is used for treating high levels of
cholesterol in the blood. Vytorin reduces total cholesterol and low density
lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol while it increases high density
lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol. The ezetimibe component of Vytorin
lowers blood cholesterol by blocking the absorption of cholesterol, including
dietary cholesterol, from the intestine. It does not affect the absorption of
triglycerides. The simvastatin component of Vytorin belongs to a class of drugs
called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly called "statins." Statins reduce
cholesterol by blocking an enzyme in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase) that produces
cholesterol. Statins lower total and LDL cholesterol in the blood as well as
triglycerides. They also increase HDL cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol is believed to be 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. The FDA approved Vytorin in July 2004.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PREPARATIONS: Tablets of 10/10, 10/20, 10/40, and 10/80 mg
(ezetimibe/simvastatin)
STORAGE: Vytorin should be stored at room temperature, 20°-25°C (68°-77°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Vytorin is used for reducing total cholesterol, LDL
cholesterol and triglycerides, and increasing HDL cholesterol.
DOSING: The recommended dose range of Vytorin is 10/10 mg to 10/80 mg,
and it is administered once daily in the evening with or with out food. Therapy
is usually initiated 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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Vytorin contains simvastatin (Zocor), and numerous drugs block the
elimination of simvastatin by the liver. Decreased elimination of simvastatin
could increase the levels of simvastatin in the body and increase the risk of
muscle toxicity from simvastatin. Vytorin should not be combined with drugs that
decrease its elimination. Examples of these drugs include
erythromycin
(E-Mycin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), clarithromycin
(Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek),
cyclosporine (Sandimmune), nefazodone
(Serzone), and HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan) and
ritonavir (Norvir). Large quantities of grape fruit juice (>1 quart daily) also
will increase blood levels of simvastatin.
Amiodarone (Cordarone), verapamil (Calan Verelan, Isoptin),
danazol (Danocrine),
cyclosporine (Gengraf,
Neoral), niacin (Niacor, Niaspan, Slo-Niacin), gemfibrozil (Lopid) and
fenofibrate (Tricor) also may increase the risk of muscle toxicity when combined
with simvastatin. Patients taking amiodarone or verapamil should not exceed
10/20 mg of Vytorin. Patients taking danazol or cyclosporine should not exceed
10/10 mg of Vytorin.
A stroke results from impaired oxygen delivery to brain cells via the bloodstream. A stroke is also referred to as a CVA, or cerebrovascular incident. Symptoms of stroke include: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance, and/or sudden severe headache with no known cause. A TIA, or transient ischemic attack is a short-lived temporary impairment of the brain caused by loss of blood supply. Stroke is a medical emergency.
Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body, and is a building block for cell membranes and hormones. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol, conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol. High cholesterol treatment includes lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), and medications such as statins, bile acid resins, and fibric acid derivatives.
Heart attack happens when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary
artery supplying blood to the heart muscle. A heart attack can cause chest pain, heart failure, and electrical
instability of the heart.
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to diseases of the blood vessels (arteries and veins) located outside the heart and brain. While there are many causes of peripheral vascular disease, doctors commonly use the term peripheral vascular disease to refer to peripheral artery disease (peripheral arterial disease, PAD), a condition that develops when the arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, arms, and legs become completely or partially blocked as a result of atherosclerosis. Peripheral artery disease symptoms include: intermittent claudication, rest pain, numbness in the extremities, and more. Treatment for peripheral artery disease include: lifestyle measures, medication, angioplasty, and surgery.
Cholesterol is the most common type of steroid in the body. The treatment of elevated cholesterol involves not only diet but also weight loss, regular exercise, and medications. By understanding your cholesterol profile you can better manage your cholesterol levels.
Heart attacks are the major causes of unexpected, sudden death among men and women. A heart attack is also a significant cause of heart failure. Learn the risk factors for heart attack such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and other heart conditions. Lowering your risk factor, lifestyle changes, and in some cases medication are the most effective way of preventing a heart attack.
Cholesterol occurs naturally in the body. High blood cholesterol levels increase a person's risk of developing heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, TIAs, and more. In addition to medication (fibrates, statins, bile acid sequestrants, and niacin), lifestyle changes can be made to lower blood cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts
of the body and is made by the liver. Cholesterol also is present in foods we
eat. People need cholesterol for the body to function normally. Cholesterol is
present in the cell walls or membranes everywhere in the body, including the
brain, nerves, muscles, skin, liver, intestines, and heart.
2) Why Should I Be Concerned About Cholesterol?
Too much cholesterol in your body means that you have an
increased risk of getting cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease. If you
have too much cholesterol in your body, the cholesterol can build up on the
walls of the arteries that carry blood to your heart. This buildup, which occurs
over time, causes less blood and oxygen to get to your heart. This can cause
chest pain and
heart attacks.
3) What's the Difference between "Good" and "Bad" Cholesterol?
Cholesterol RSS
Healthy Living Tips
