Vytorin and Liver Problems

For people who are taking Vytorin, liver problems are a possible risk. Because statins such as Vytorin are known to increase liver enzyme levels, your doctor will measure your levels prior to you starting the medication and periodically during the treatment process. If you are taking Vytorin and liver problems such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or jaundice develop, your healthcare provider may switch you to a different medication.

 

Vytorin and Liver Problems: An Overview

As with any medication, there are a number of possible side effects that can occur while taking Vytorin® (ezetimibe/simvastatin), including possible problems with the liver. For people taking Vytorin, liver problems that may develop include:
 
  • Increase in liver enzymes
  • Hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver that can cause tiredness or a general feeling of illness
  • Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin or eyes that can occur when the liver is damaged
  • Fatty change in the liver
  • Cirrhosis
  • Hepatoma, which is a type of liver cancer.
     
Increases in liver enzymes occur in up to 3.6 percent of people taking Vytorin. This increase appears to be more prevalent in patients who are taking higher doses. The other liver problems mentioned occur in less than 1 percent of people. Because these potential side effects of Vytorin are so rare, it is difficult to tell whether they are caused by the medication or by something else.
 

Vytorin and Liver Problems: High Liver Enzymes

Liver enzymes are usually measured to see if a person has liver damage.
 They do not measure how well the liver is working. A number of things can increase liver enzymes, including:
 
 
Vytorin, along with the other statins, are also known to increase levels of liver enzyme. However, this increase does not typically cause problems, except in very rare cases. Regardless, your doctor will likely measure your liver enzyme levels prior to you starting Vytorin and then again several months after you start. He or she will also measure your liver enzyme levels if your Vytorin dosage is increased.
 
If your liver enzymes are high, your doctor may continue to test them on a more frequent basis. If they remain high, your doctor may recommend lowering the dose of Vytorin or switching to another cholesterol medication. When Vytorin is stopped, in most cases, the liver enzymes return to pre-Vytorin levels.
 
(Vytorin and Liver Problems Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;