Vytorin
 
What is Vytorin and why is it prescribed?
Vytorin contains two cholesterol-lowering medications, ezetimibe and simvastatin, and is available as a tablet. Vytorin is a medicine used to lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and fatty substances called triglycerides in the blood. In addition, Vytorin raises levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. It is used for patients who cannot control their cholesterol levels by diet alone. You should stay on a cholesterol-lowering diet while taking Vytorin. Vytorin works to reduce your cholesterol in two ways. It reduces the cholesterol absorbed in your digestive tract, as well as the cholesterol your body makes by itself. Vytorin does not help you lose weight.

How should you take Vytorin?
Follow your doctors directions for taking Vytorin. Take Vytorin once a day, in the evening, with or without food. Try to take Vytorin exactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose, do not take an extra dose. Just resume your usual schedule. Continue to follow a cholesterol-lowering diet while taking Vytorin. Keep taking Vytorin unless your doctor tells you to stop. If you stop taking Vytorin, your cholesterol may rise again. Store Vytorin at room temperature.

Are there any Vytorin side effects?
Vytorin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Vytorin side effects may include headache and muscle pain. The following side effects have been reported in general use with either ezetimibe or simvastatin tablets (tablets that contain the active ingredients of Vytorin): allergic reactions (including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing, and rash), inflammation of the pancreas, nausea, gallstones, and inflammation of the gallbladder.

What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Vytorin?
If Vytorin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Taking Vytorin with certain substances can increase the risk of muscle problems. It is particularly important to tell your doctor if you are taking cyclosporine, antifungal agents (such as itraconazole or ketoconazole), fibric acid derivatives (such as gemfibrozil, bezafibrate, or fenofibrate), the antibiotics erythromycin and clarithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors (such as indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir), the antidepressant nefazodone, amiodarone (a drug used to treat an irregular heartbeat), verapamil (a drug used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain associated with heart disease, or other heart conditions), large doses of niacin or nicotinic acid, or large quantities of grapefruit juice. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are taking coumarin anticoagulants (drugs that prevent blood clots, such as warfarin). Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including allergies. Tell your doctor if you drink substantial quantities of alcohol or ever had liver problems. Vytorin may not be right for you.

Are there any special warnings about Vytorin?
Tell your doctor right away if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. This is because on rare occasions, muscle problems can be serious, including muscle breakdown resulting in kidney damage. The risk of muscle breakdown is greater at higher doses of Vytorin. The risk of muscle breakdown is greater in patients with kidney problems. Do not use Vytorin if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Vytorin, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. Do not use Vytorin if you are breast-feeding. Vytorin is not recommended for use in children under 10 years of age.
 

Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor.
 

Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved.