Ezetimibe and simvastatin
Generic name: ezetimibe and simvastatin [ ez-ET-i-mibe-and-SIM-va-stat-in ]
Brand name: Vytorin
Dosage form: oral tablet (10 mg-10 mg; 10 mg-20 mg; 10 mg-40 mg; 10 mg-80 mg)
Drug class:Antihyperlipidemic combinations
What is ezetimibe and simvastatin?
Ezetimibe reduces the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the body. Simvastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins."
Ezetimibe and simvastatin is a combination medicine that is used to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).
Ezetimibe and simvastatin is used together with a low-fat diet and other treatments to lower total cholesterol in adults and children who are at least 10 years old. It is not known whether ezetimibe and simvastatin reduces your risk of heart disease.
Ezetimibe and simvastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use this medicine if you have active liver disease or abnormal liver function tests.
Do not use ezetimibe and simvastatin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use ezetimibe and simvastatin if you are allergic to simvastatin (Zocor) or ezetimibe (Vytorin, Zetia), or if you have:
active liver disease; or
abnormal liver function tests.
Do not use if you are pregnant. This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor at once if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while taking ezetimibe and simvastatin.
Ezetimibe and simvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in women, in older adults, in people of Chinese descent, and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
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