Brand names: Vytorin™
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Ezetimibe, Simvastatin Oral tablet (below)
- Ezetimibe; Simvastatin tablets
- Español:
- Ezetimibe-Simvastatina, Tableta oral
Ezetimibe, Simvastatin Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
EZETIMIBE; SIMVASTATIN (ez ET i mibe; SIM va stat in) blocks the body's ability to absorb and make cholesterol. It is used to lower cholesterol. It is only for patients whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•frequently drink alcoholic beverages
•kidney or liver disease
•muscle aches or weakness
•other medical condition
•an unusual or allergic reaction to ezetimibe, simvastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine in the evening with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:
•certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, and telithromycin
•medicines for fungal infections like itraconazole and ketoconazole
•medicines for HIV, AIDS
•nefazodone
•other medicines to lower cholesterol or triglycerides
•red yeast rice
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
•amiodarone
•cyclosporine
•danazol
•digoxin
•grapefruit juice
•niacin
•verapamil
•warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check-ups. You may need regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.
Tell you doctor or health care professional right away if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness.
This drug is only part of a total heart-health program. Your doctor or a dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to help. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.
Do not use this drug if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Serious side effects to an unborn child or to an infant are possible. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
If you are going to have surgery tell your health care professional that you are taking this drug.
Some drugs may increase the risk of side effects from this medicine. If you are given certain antibiotics or antifungals, your doctor or health care professional may stop this medicine for a short time. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•dark yellow or brown urine
•depression
•fever
•muscle pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
•unusually weak or tired
•yellowing of the skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•constipation
•gas
•headache
•heartburn
•indigestion
•stomach pain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/26/2004 10:05:00 AM
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
