Vytorin Alternatives

An Introduction to Vytorin Alternatives

Lifestyle changes are often the first line of treatment for lowering cholesterol. However, for some people, treating high cholesterol with a low cholesterol diet, weight control, and exercise are not enough. If lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient, your doctor can prescribe cholesterol medications. One such medicine is Vytorin^® (ezetimibe/simvastatin). For most people, Vytorin is quite effective in lowering cholesterol and is also generally well tolerated. However, there is a possibility that Vytorin side effects may occur, and people may wish to consider an alternative, such as statins or other cholesterol medicines.

 

Vytorin Alternatives: Statins or Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

As mentioned, Vytorin combines simvastatin and ezetimibe. Simvastatin is part of a class of drugs called statins. Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor.

 

One Vytorin alternative is to take simvastatin by itself. Simvastatin is available as a generic drug or under the brand name Zocor^®. Simvastatin is part of a class of drugs called statins (or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). Statins work by blocking a particular enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, which controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. This causes the liver to make less cholesterol. Statins also:

 

Besides simvastatin, several types of statins are available that could also be considered substitutes for Vytorin. These include:

 

  

Ezetimibe by itself could also be considered a substitute for Vytorin. It is sold under the brand name Zetia^®. A generic Zetia is not available.