Thursday, November 20, 2008
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Vytorin
Name: Vytorin (Ezetimibe/Simvastatin)
Purpose: To decrease total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL and to raise HDL.
Action: Vytorin works in two ways. The ezetimbe works in the small intestine to reduce the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs. The simvastatin inhibits an enzyme necessary to produce cholesterol in the liver. It also helps remove LDL cholesterol from the blood.
Dose: The dosage range is 10/10 mg/day through 10/80 mg/day. The doctor wants you to take ________ mg. in the evening, with or without food. The dose may need to be adjusted depending upon your response.
You should not take Vytorin if any of the following apply:
§ You have active liver disease or unexplained elevated liver enzymes.
§ Females who are pregnant, nursing, or likely to conceive.
§ You drink large quantities of grapefruit juice (more than 1 quart/day)
§ You take Erythromycin-type antibiotics (eg. Erytab, E-mycin, or Biaxin).
§ You take the immunosuppressant Cyclosporine (Sandimmune or Neoral).
§ You take azole-type antifungal drugs (eg. Sporonox, Nizoral, or Diflucan).
§ You take the antidepressant Serzone (Nefazodone) or HIV protease inhibitors.
§ You are allergic to any of the ingredients.
§ You should be cautious about taking Vytorin with Amiodarone, Verapamil, Lopid (Gemfibrozil), Tricor, Lofibra or high doses of Niacin (Niaspan); however, combinations of these medications may be ordered by the Lipid MD with careful monitoring.
Possible side effects:
Vytorin is generally well tolerated. Call your doctor if you have: GI problems, rash, fatigue, cold/flu symptoms, muscle aches, headache, dizziness, or have other medical problems that you feel may be related to Vytorin. Report muscle pain and brown urine to us immediately, particularly if accompanied by fever and/or weakness.
Special instructions:
§ Always take the prescribed amount of medicine.
§ Avoid substantial use of alcohol.
§ Have lab tests done promptly when ordered.
§ If you are taking Coumadin, prothrombin times should be monitored closely.
PRECAUTION:
Women capable of childbearing must have a pregnancy test (serum HCG) before starting this medication. This is a category X drug and not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.