Vytorin Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in all the cells of the body. While the body produces it naturally, it is also present in some foods. Cholesterol travels through the body via the arteries, in small packages made of fats and protein.

It’s necessary for healthy heart function, however high levels of the so-called bad cholesterol – triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – and low levels of good cholesterol, known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Marketed Internationally as Inegy

In some countries, Vytorin is sold under the brand name Inegy.

Vytorin Active Ingredient

Generic Vytorin  Alternative: Ezetimibe-Simvastatin

Vytorin is a combination of two active ingredients: ezetimibe and simvastatin. When coupled with diet and lifestyle changes, this medication helps to reduce levels of bad cholesterol and increase levels of good cholesterol.

Patients have a choice of buying brand name Vytorin or generic alternatives. A number of safe, affordable generic alternatives to Vytorin are available through our international online pharmacy.

General Drug Information

What is Vytorin and What Is It Used For?

Vytorin is a combination medication consisting of two substances, ezetimibe, and simvastatin. Ezetimibe reduces the amount of cholesterol the body absorbs from the diet, while simvastatin reduces the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. When coupled with a proper diet, this medication can help to reduce levels of bad cholesterol and increase levels of good cholesterol. This lessens the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, giving up smoking and losing weight enhance the effects of this medication in helping patients prevent heart disease.

Usage and Application

Vytorin and its generic alternatives should be taken exactly as prescribed by a patient’s doctor, and the dosage depends on the patient’s condition, age, response to treatment and other medications they may be taking. Patients should discuss the full list of prescription medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor before starting treatment with Vytorin.

Most patients are prescribed one daily oral dose to be taken with or without food, usually in the evening. The usual maximum dose is 10/40mg per day. Patients who have been prescribed more should discuss the heightened risk involved with taking elevated doses with their doctor. Patients should not increase their dose without consulting their physician first.

Some patients taking vitamin B3, which is also known as niacin, may need to take lower doses of simvastatin.

It is necessary to use Vytorin regularly in order to experience its full benefit. To reduce the risk of forgetting, patients are advised to take the medication at the same time each day. It may take two to four weeks for people to experience the full benefit of this medication. The therapy should continue even if people feel well.

All patients should avoid eating grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice as it increases blood levels of Vytorin.

People who take other cholesterol-reducing drugs – such as cholestyramine or colestipol – should exercise caution. Vytorin should be taken at least two hours before or at least four hours after taking these medications. If mixed, these medications interact with Vytorin, preventing its full absorption.

Diet and exercise are also important parts of any treatment regime.

Considerations Before Taking Vytorin

Before starting treatment patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to Vytorin or its main ingredients.

It is vital to discuss the patient’s medical history, especially any history of alcohol abuse, liver disease, and kidney disease.

Patients taking this medication should limit alcohol consumption as daily use may cause liver problems.

Patients preparing for surgery or certain dental procedures should inform their doctor or dentist about all medicines, supplements and herbal products they are taking.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the adverse side effects of this medication, especially muscle problems.

Simvastatin, one of the two active ingredients in this medication, may harm an unborn baby. Therefore, Vytorin is not safe for use during pregnancy. Female patients on this medication need to discuss reliable birth control methods with their doctor, and those who suspect pregnancy need to tell their doctor right away.

It is not known whether Vytorin passes into breast milk, however, similar drugs do. This medication is not recommended for use by nursing mothers.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Vytorin should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time of the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up the dose in order to catch up.

Other Medications and Vytorin

Drug interactions may change the way Vytorin (and its generic alternatives) works, increasing the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Some blood thinning medications – such as Coudamin – may interact negatively with Vytorin. This is also the case with cyclosporine, prescribed to treat organ rejection, the gout medicine colchicine, and gemfibrozil – a cholesterol drug. Danocrin, prescribed to treat endometriosis, should also be avoided.

Patients should avoid drugs which affect the removal of simvastatin from the body. This is the case with antifungals such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole. The list also includes hepatitis C medications boceprevir and telaprevir, as well as cobicistat, which is prescribed to prevent heart attack or stroke.

Also affecting the removal of simvastatin from the body are macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin and the antibiotic telithromycin. Patients should also exercise caution if they are taking the antidepressant nefazodone, as well as certain HIV medications, including delavirdine, nelfinavir, and ritonavir.

Some red yeast rice products naturally contain the statin lovastatin and should be avoided in order to prevent potential muscle and liver problems.

Adverse Reactions

Most patients are able to use Vytorin safely and without serious negative side effects.

The medication can cause mild memory problems or confusion in some patients.

In rare cases, statins such as simvastatin can worsen diabetes.

Patients should monitor for liver problems. They should immediately contact their treating physician in the event of symptoms such as yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine, severe stomach pain or persistent vomiting.

Vytorin may cause muscle problems and, in rare cases, can lead to serious conditions such as rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy. Patients should monitor for symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness, fever, and changes in the amount of urine.

Serious allergic reactions to Vytorin are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergic reactions including itching and swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing.

How to Store Vytorin

Vytorin should be stored at room temperature, away from light or moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.

Vytorin  Coupon

Although Vytorin coupons are available with other online pharmacies, customers will find that UDS prices are often much lower.