Vytorin Trade Name: Vytorin
Generic Name: Ezetimibe/Simvastatin)
Purpose:
To decrease total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL and to raise HDL.
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.
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 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.
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