Vytorin Drug Information | Usage | Interactions and Side Effects

Vytorin Drug Information | Usage | Interactions and Side Effects

Generic Vytorin (ezetimibe and simvastatin) is an oral medication that is made to lower high cholesterol. Generic Vytorin works to lower cholesterol levels that your body naturally produces to reduce the absorption of bad cholesterol in the body when diet and exercise alone won’t do.

Generic Vytorin may also be marketed as:
Vytorin, Ezetimibe & Simvastatin

*Vytorin® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.

Uses

Generic Vytorin is an orally administered cholesterol reducing medication. This medication works to reduce the amount of cholesterol that the body absorbs to aiding in the overall reduction of cholesterol levels. Generic Vytorin is often used in combination with diet and exercise to lower cholesterol in people with a family history of this illness.

Generic Vytorin is made with a combination of Zetia (ezetimibe) and Zocor (simvastatin), two cholesterol fighting medications. Simvastatin, an active ingredient in this medication is classified under a group of drugs known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins. The simvastatin in this medication works to lower the level of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) in the blood, while stimulating levels of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein).

This medication is recommended for adults and children over 10 years of age. Consult your doctor before taking this medication for either above mentioned conditions, or alternative uses.

How to take

Generic Vytorin is generally taken once a day in the evenings. This medication may be taken with or without food. Contact your doctor for the precise instructions that apply to you. Dosage of this medication may change during treatment depending on the severity of your condition and the progression of your illness.

Those taking Generic Vytorin are often required to take regular doctor administered blood tests during treatment. Generic Vytorin is most effectively used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Inform your doctor and surgeon that you are taking this medication before you go in for any surgical procedure or medical test. Do not stop taking this medication without first speaking to your doctor, as suddenly halting treatment may worsen your condition.

Side effects

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

Stop taking Generic Vytorin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine;
swelling, weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all;
chest pain, dry cough, wheezing, feeling short of breath;
severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss).

Less serious Generic Vytorin side effects may include:

headache, dizziness, depressed mood;
memory problems, confusion;
back pain, joint pain, mild muscle pain;
numbness or tingly feeling;
trouble having an erection;
diarrhea;
sleep problems (insomnia); or
cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Precautions

Always read the ingredients before taking this or any other medication to ensure that there are no elements that may elicit an allergic reaction.

Do not take Generic Vytorin if you have any of the following conditions:

Liver disease
Kidney problems
Underactive thyroid

Before taking Generic Vytorin, consult your doctor if you have a history of any of the following medical conditions:

Liver disease
Kidney problems
Thyroid disorders
Diabetes
Alcoholism

Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit products while taking this medication.

Do not take Generic Vytorin if you are pregnant, breast feeding or plan on becoming pregnant while taking this medication. Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during your treatment.

Drug interactions

Always read the ingredients before taking this or any other medication to ensure that there are no elements that may elicit an allergic reaction. Do not take Generic Vytorin if you are allergic to ezetimibe or simvastatin.

Do not mix cholestyramine or colestipol with this medication; wait 4 hours before, or 2 hours after your dose of Generic Vytorin before taking these medications.

Contact your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications before adding Generic Vytorin to your treatment plan:

any medications that contain niacin
any medications to treat HIV/AIDS
any drugs that may weaken your immune system (including cancer treatments, steroids, medicines to prevent the rejection of organ transplants, ect)
any statins
any antidepressants
any blood thinners (including warfarin)
any antibiotics
antibiotic clarithromycin
antifungal medications
erythromycin
medications to treat hepatitis C
fenofibrate
fenofibric acid
amiodarone
colchicine
cyclosporine
danazol
ritonavir
amlodipine
telithromycin
darunavir
nelfinavir
posaconazole
lovastatin
digoxin
saquinavir
ranolazine
diltiazem
fosamprenavir
indinavir
pravastatin
tipranavir
verapamil
simvastatin
ketoconazole

Always inform your doctor of any medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal supplements, and over the counter medications) before embarking on a new treatment. Additional medications not listen here may interact negatively with your medication.

Missed dose

Do not take more than your recommended dosage. Take missed doses as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next treatment.

Storage

Store Generic Vytorin in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture. Dispose of any unused medication past the point of expiry. Keep out of reach of children and pets.