Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: EZETIMIBE/SIMVASTATIN - ORAL (eh-ZET-ih-mibe/SIM-vuh-stat-in)
BRAND NAME(S): Vytorin
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is a combination of two drugs, ezetimibe and simvastatin. It is used along with a proper diet to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and fats (triglycerides) in the blood while raising good cholesterol (HDL). This product is generally prescribed after non-drug treatment (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight) have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol. Reducing your cholesterol and fats help prevent strokes and heart attacks. Ezetimibe works by reducing the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs from your diet. Simvastatin is an enzyme blocker (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as a "statin," which reduces the amount of cholesterol that your body makes normally each day. Simvastatin is used in adults and children (10 years of age and older). Young girls must have had their menstrual periods for at least one year before starting this medication.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually once daily in the evening, with or without food; or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Many of the drugs listed in the Drug Interactions section in this handout may increase the chances of muscle injury when used with simvastatin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. While being treated with this medication, limit the amount of grapefruit or grapefruit juice you may eat or drink (less than 1 quart a day), unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Grapefruit juice may increase the amount of simvastatin in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take ezetimibe/simvastatin at least 2 hours before, or at least 4 hours after, these other medications. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It may take up to 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or fat levels in their blood do not feel sick. Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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