In research studies, people taking Vytorin 10/20 mg once in the evening were able to, on average, decrease
LDL cholesterol by 52 percent, total cholesterol by 36 percent, and
triglycerides by 24 percent.
HDL increased by 10 percent. The effects of the medication on cholesterol and triglyceride levels were generally greater with higher doses.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take Vytorin include the following:
- The medication should be taken in the evening.
- Your Vytorin dosage may be taken with or without food.
- To maintain even levels of the drug in your body, make sure to take Vytorin at the same time each day.
- For Vytorin to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
Dietary Instructions
People who are on Vytorin are typically advised to avoid grapefruit juice, because it can increase the levels of
simvastatin in the blood, which can increase the risk of developing serious muscle problems. If you are being treated with Vytorin and want to continue drinking grapefruit juice, talk to your doctor about other cholesterol-lowering medications you can take.
The dose of Vytorin your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.