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Vytorin
Vytorin is manufactured by Merck/Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals (MSP).
As mentioned, Vytorin is a combination of simvastatin and ezetimibe. Simvastatin works by blocking a particular enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. This causes the liver to make less cholesterol and also increases the liver's ability to collect and get rid of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol).
Ezetimibe is part of a class of drugs called cholesterol absorption inhibitors. As the name implies, it blocks the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines into the blood. By doing this, less cholesterol enters the body. The drug is unique in that it works just at the "brush border" of the small intestine. Because less cholesterol is delivered from the digestive tract to the liver (which depletes its stores of cholesterol), the liver reacts by taking cholesterol from the blood, which reduces cholesterol levels.
Because of the effects of simvastatin and ezetimibe, Vytorin decreases the following forms of cholesterol and fats:
The medication also increases HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol).
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.
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Vytorin. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or a healthcare professional. Most people do not need to stop taking the medicine if side effects develop.
The most common side effects thought to be related to the medicine are:
Keep in mind that if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or you feel ill, you should contact your healthcare provider right away. This could be a sign of a serious, life-threatening muscle problem.
(Click Vytorin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking Vytorin if you have:
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Let your healthcare provider know if you:
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Because Vytorin can lower LDL cholesterol, along with lowering total cholesterol and increasing HDL, a person can often lower their risk for developing problems by taking this drug.
For most people, Vytorin is quite effective in lowering cholesterol. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, and people may wish to consider a substitute. These alternatives could include other statins or other cholesterol medicines.
What If I Take an Overdose?
If you happen to overdose on Vytorin, seek immediate medical attention (see Vytorin Overdose for more information).
How Should Vytorin Be Stored?
Vytorin should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Vytorin as scheduled, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take double the dose.
Several strengths of Vytorin are available. These include:
- Vytorin 10/10 (ezetimibe 10 mg/simvastatin 10 mg)
- Vytorin 10/20 (ezetimibe 10 mg/simvastatin 20 mg)
- Vytorin 10/40 (ezetimibe 10 mg/simvastatin 40 mg)
- Vytorin 10/80 (ezetimibe 10 mg/simvastatin 80 mg).
At this time, no generic versions of this drug are available (see Generic Vytorin).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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