EZETIMIBE/SIMVASTATIN - ORAL
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (e-ZET-i-mibe/SIM-va-STAT-in)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vytorin
GENERIC NAME(S): ezetimibe/simvastatin
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. Simvastatin 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/SIMVASTATIN - 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 in the evening. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, 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). Chinese patients taking niacin may require lower doses of simvastatin. Ask your doctor for more details. The usual maximum dose for the simvastatin in this medication is 40 milligrams a day. If you have been instructed by your doctor to take more than 40 milligrams of simvastatin, continue on that same dose. However, promptly talk with him or her about the risks and benefits of your higher dose. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of this medication in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take this product at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications. These medications can react with this product, preventing its full absorption. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to 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 drug.
Side Effects
Precautions
Interactions
Overdose
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Reviews
Faq for EZETIMIBE/SIMVASTATIN - ORAL
Ezetimibe/Simvastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It is prescribed to patients with high cholesterol, along with a proper diet and exercise, to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Ezetimibe/Simvastatin works by reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed from the diet and blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) in the liver that produces cholesterol. This dual mechanism helps to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
The most common side effects of Ezetimibe/Simvastatin include headache, muscle pain, stomach pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. If you experience any persistent or severe side effects, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.
Ezetimibe/Simvastatin can interact with certain medications, so it is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products. Some medications like fibrates and certain antibiotics may increase the risk of muscle problems when taken with Ezetimibe/Simvastatin.
The full effects of Ezetimibe/Simvastatin on cholesterol levels may take up to 2 weeks or longer. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you do not notice immediate improvement.
Ezetimibe/Simvastatin should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the fetus. It is also advised to avoid the medication while breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk and harm the nursing baby. Consult your healthcare provider for safer alternatives if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Consuming grapefruit juice while taking Ezetimibe/Simvastatin is not recommended, as it may increase the levels of the medication in the blood and lead to an increased risk of side effects.
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe while taking Ezetimibe/Simvastatin. However, excessive alcohol intake can elevate cholesterol levels and interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. It is advisable to discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.
In rare cases, Ezetimibe/Simvastatin can cause liver problems. It is important to monitor liver function with blood tests before starting the medication and periodically thereafter. If you experience symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent abdominal pain, contact your doctor immediately.
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.
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