Vytorin Side Effects

Common Vytorin side effects include upper respiratory infections, weakness, and increased liver enzymes. While most side effects are minor, if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with a fever, contact your healthcare provider immediately -- it could be a sign of a serious problem. Other potential Vytorin side effects that may require medical attention include trouble breathing, passing brown or dark-colored urine, and unexplained rash.

 

An Introduction to Vytorin Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Vytorin® (ezetimibe/simvastatin), but not everyone who takes Vytorin will develop side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well. If side effects do occur, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
If you are taking Vytorin and experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially if accompanied by a fever or feeling of illness), it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
 
(The Vytorin side effects discussed below are not a complete list of reported side effects. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
 

Common Vytorin Side Effects

Vytorin has been studied extensively in clinical trials, with more than 3,800 patients having been evaluated.
 In these studies, side effects are always documented and compared to side effects that occurred in a similar group of people who are not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common Vytorin side effects included:
 
  • Headache -- up to 6.8 percent of people
  • Muscle pain, known medically as myalgia -- up to 3.5 percent of people (see Vytorin and Muscle Pain)
  • Upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold -- up to 3.9 percent of people
  • Flu -- up to 2.6 percent of people
  • Pain, including back pain -- up to 2.3 percent of people
  • Increased liver enzymes -- up to 3.6 percent of people (see Vytorin and Liver Problems).
     
The following side effects also occurred in more than 1 percent of people taking Vytorin, simvastatin, or ezetimibe:
 
  • General feeling of weakness (asthenia)
  • Indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • Nausea
  • Muscle cramps
  • Dizziness
  • Unexplained rash
  • Blurred vision
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Joint pain (see Vytorin and Joint Pain).
     
(Vytorin Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;