Vytorin and Joint Pain

Several rare but possible side effects may occur with the use of Vytorin. Joint pain, however, only develops in less than 1 percent of patients. If joint pain becomes a problem, you can try pain relief medicines or heat/cold remedies to alleviate the pain. If you are taking Vytorin and joint pain persists after a couple of months, your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage or recommend a different medication.

 

Vytorin and Joint Pain: An Overview

Joint pain is a possible but rare side effect of Vytorin® (ezetimibe/simvastatin). In fact, joint pain is reported in less than 1 percent of people taking the medication.
 

Vytorin and Joint Pain: Suggestions

If you are taking Vytorin and joint pain is a problem, there are some things that you can try. Common short-term relief suggestions include medications and heat/cold therapies.
 
Medications
People taking Vytorin who experience joint pain often benefit from using over-the-counter pain relief medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®), aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®).
 
Heat/Cold Therapies
Moist heat (such as a warm bath or shower) or dry heat (such as a heating pad) placed on the painful area of the joint for about 15 minutes may relieve joint pain. In some cases, cold packs (a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel) can also relieve pain or numb the sore area. If you have poor circulation, do not use cold packs. Water therapy in a heated pool or whirlpool may relieve joint pain and stiffness as well .
 

Vytorin and Joint Pain: A Summary

Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have concerns about Vytorin and joint pain.
 Also, keep in mind that it is not possible for your healthcare provider to know whether you will have a side effect with a medicine that you have never taken. If you develop joint pain while taking Vytorin and it continues after the first couple of months, your healthcare provider may recommend adjusting the Vytorin dosage or switching to another cholesterol medication.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;