EZETIMIBE/ATORVASTATIN - ORAL

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EZETIMIBE/ATORVASTATIN - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (e-ZET-i-mibe/a-TOR-va-STAT-in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Liptruzet

GENERIC NAME(S): ezetimibe/atorvastatin calcium

Uses

USES: This combination medication is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. Ezetimibe works by reducing the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs from your diet. Atorvastatin belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.


How to use EZETIMIBE/ATORVASTATIN - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The manufacturer directs not to crush, dissolve, or chew the tablet before taking it. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be crushed, dissolved, or chewed. Follow your doctor's directions on how to take this medication. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. If you are taking a bile acid sequestrant (such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take this product at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after taking the bile acid sequestrant. These medications may bind to ezetimibe/atorvastatin, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this product.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very small number of people taking atorvastatin may have mild memory problems or confusion. If these rare effects occur, talk to your doctor. Rarely, statins may cause or worsen diabetes. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks. This drug may rarely cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy). Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms during treatment and if these symptoms persist after your doctor stops this drug: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). This medication may rarely cause liver problems. If you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects, tell your doctor right away: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to ezetimibe or atorvastatin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with this product. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle problems. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. Atorvastatin may harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) while taking this medication. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How To Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Other medications can affect the removal of atorvastatin from your body, which may affect how atorvastatin works. Examples include colchicine, gemfibrozil, telaprevir, telithromycin, ritonavir, certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole), among others. Do not take any red yeast rice products while you are taking ezetimibe/atorvastatin because some red yeast rice products may also contain a statin called lovastatin. Taking ezetimibe/atorvastatin and red yeast rice products together can increase your risk of serious muscle and liver problems.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for EZETIMIBE/ATORVASTATIN - ORAL

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin is an oral medication that combines two cholesterol-lowering drugs, ezetimibe and atorvastatin. It is used along with a proper diet and exercise to treat high cholesterol levels in the blood.

Ezetimibe works by reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the body from the diet, while atorvastatin works by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver. Together, they lower the total amount of cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood.

Common side effects may include muscle pain, diarrhea, joint pain, fatigue, headache, and stomach pain. It is important to report any severe or persistent side effects to your doctor.

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin may interact with certain medications, including some antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and immunosuppressants. It is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are taking before starting this medication.

The effects of Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin may be seen within 2 weeks of starting the medication, but it may take up to 4 weeks to experience the full benefits. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you do not immediately notice improvement.

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin should not be taken during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. It is important to use effective birth control while taking this medication. Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

It is generally safe to have moderate alcohol consumption while taking Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin. However, excessive alcohol intake may increase the risk of liver problems. It is best to consult with your doctor regarding alcohol consumption and any specific concerns you may have.

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Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.