What is Vytorin?

Vytorin is a combination medication of ezetimibe and simvastatin. Vytorin is used to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides, to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). Vytorin is used together with a low-fat diet and other treatments to lower total cholesterol in adults and children who are at least 10 years old. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.

How Does Vytorin work?

Vytorin contains a combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin. Ezetimibe works by reducing the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs from your diet. Simvastatin belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. 

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor.
• Vytorin is usually taken once daily in the evening.
• Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.
• If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take this product at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications. These medications can react with this product, preventing its full absorption.
• Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well.
• If you miss a dose of Vytorin, take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• If you have ever had unexplained weakness or muscle pain, a thyroid disorder, liver or kidney disease or liver problems caused by alcohol.
• If you have a habit of drinking more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, especially muscle problems.

Also be aware that:

• In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.
• Do not use Vytorin if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant. Use effective birth control.
• You should not use Vytorin if you have active liver disease or abnormal liver function tests.
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of this medication in your bloodstream.
• If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take this product at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications. These medications can react with this product, preventing its full absorption.
• Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with this product. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, especially muscle problems.

Side-Effects

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Headaches.
• Abnormal liver function tests.
• Diarrhea.
• Cold symptoms.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Mild memory problems or confusion.
• Causing or worsening diabetes.
• Muscle problems (which can rarely lead to very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy). Females, older adults, and Chinese people may be at higher risk.
• Muscle pain, tenderness or weakness.
• Change in the amount of urine.
• Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rashes, itching, swelling especially of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.

Q: What is the generic alternative to Vytorin?

A: The generic alternative to Vytorin is known as Ezetimibe/Simvastatin (Generic) which is the combination of medications which make up Vytorin. You can save up to 90% on your medication by buying with us and the generic alternative Ezetimibe/Simvastatin may offer you even greater savings.

Q: What is the strength of Vytorin?

A: Both Vytorin and the generic alternative Ezetimibe/Simvastatin comes in strengths of 10/10mg, 10/20mg, 10/40mg and 10/80mg.

Q: When should I take Vytorin?

A: Vytorin is usually taken once daily in the evening. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.