What is Vytorin?
Vytorin (Ezetimibe, Simvastatin) is an effective medication that lowers cholesterol level and helps maintain the achieved effect. Containing Ezetimibe and Simvastatin as active ingredients, the treatment helps get a decreased amount of cholesterol, especially the ‘bad’ one. While Ezetimibe assists reducing the cholesterol levels, Simvastatin works as a statin (HMG CoA reductase inhibitor). The combination of active components affects cholesterol level decreasing the level of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and simultaneously boosting the level of good cholesterol.
Vytorin is commonly prescribed to patients who require significant help lowering cholesterol. The treatment course should be accompanied by low-calorie and low-fat diet and related measures. The treatment can be used by people older than 10 years old. Ask your healthcare provider about Vytorin off-label use and its safety in your exact case.
Recommendations for Use
At the beginning of Vytorin intake, consult your physician and follow his/her directions and recommendations. Do not change the adjusted dose to avoid possible drug misuse. Frequent blood tests may be required during the treatment course to track the progress. Keep in mind that Vytorin serves only a part of a full treatment program that also presupposes a balanced diet, regular workouts and weight management.
Once you have missed a dose, you should skip it if the next scheduled one should be administered soon. Never increase or double the following dose to avoid overdose with its dangerous consequences.
Precautions and Contraindications
Do not start Vytorin administration without doctor’s permission. Talk to your healthcare provider to make sure the treatment will be safe and beneficial with other health problems you have, especially:
• Uncontrolled low blood pressure;
• Excess alcohol consumption;
• Severe kidney or liver disorders;
• Thyroid diseases;
• Electrolyte problems;
• Untreated convulsions or seizures, etc.
Do not use Vytorin if you are allergic to Ezetimibe or Simvastatin, the active ingredients of the pharmaceutical. Besides, eliminate the medication administration if you:
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding;
• Are diagnosed with any liver disease;
• Have an abnormal liver test.
Drug Interactions
To add to the safe Vytorin treatment course, a patient should prevent its possible interactions with other prescription and non-prescription remedies and other pharmaceutical products. Tell your healthcare specialist about other medications you are currently using, especially: Blood thinners,Blood pressure treatments,Fenofibrate,Colchicine,Heart rhythm medications,HIV and AIDS treatments,Antifungal remedies, etc.
Besides, some treatments combined with Vytorin can boost the risk of severe muscle disorders. Do not use the following medicines during Vytorin treatment course: Antibiotics,Hepatitis C drugs,Amiodarone,Danazol,Nefazodone,Dronedarone, etc.
Side Effects
Seek immediate professional assistance if you have got any symptoms of Vytorin misuse or overuse. Call your doctor in case the treatment course has triggered the side effects occurrence, especially:
• Jaundice, dark urine;
• Fast weight gain;
• Swelling of different body parts;
• Stomach disorders, severe nausea, vomiting;
• Appetite disorders;
• Weakness and fatigue, etc.
The common Vytorin complications, such as diarrhea, indigestion and flu symptoms, will disappear after a few drug intakes.