VYTORIN (EZETIMIBE/SIMVASTATIN)

About Vytorin And How it Works

Vytorin is an oral combination medication that may be prescribed to reduce “bad” cholesterol and fats. The two active ingredients in Vytorin are Ezetimibe, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor and Simvastatin, which is a “statin” medication.

Ezetimibe blocks the absorption of cholesterol from your small intestine which limits the amount of cholesterol that is ingested from the foods you eat. The other active ingredient is Simvastatin which reduces the amount of cholesterol your liver produces by blocking certain enzymes. This action also causes your liver to take up more of your bad cholesterol from your blood.

Vytorin or generic Ezetimibe/Simvastatin effectively lowers your low-density lipoproteins (LDL), known as your bad cholesterol and your triglycerides so you are less likely to develop atherosclerosis which can lead to a heart attack. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Conditions Treated by Vytorin

Your body has many lipoproteins that perform different tasks throughout your body. They are a combination of apolipoproteins and cholesterol that are combined in your liver. HDL refers to your good cholesterol. It is the high density lipoproteins that carry cholesterol from different organs and tissues to your liver where it is recycled. It also helps to clear excess cholesterol from your blood, helping to reduce the risk of a plaque build-up in your arteries.

Low density lipoproteins do nothing to bring cholesterol back to your liver but linger around in your blood. Your liver produces the majority of the cholesterol your body needs; it is very important to be mindful of the foods you eat that add to the amount of cholesterol that is already present. If there is too much cholesterol for your liver to degrade or recycle, it builds up in your blood and can cause serious health problems.

Before You Take Vytorin

You should limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages while taking Vytorin medication. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk of liver problems, especially when combined with Vytorin. You should not take Vytorin if you have active liver disease or abnormal liver function tests.

Vytorin Precautions

Vytorin medication should not be taken during pregnancy. It is important to use a reliable form of birth control while taking Vytorin.

Possible Vytorin Side Effects

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea
• Back pain
• Vomiting
• Headache