Vytorin is a combination of ezetimibe (Zetia) and simvastatin (Zocor) that is used for treating high
levels of cholesterol in the blood. It reduces total cholesterol
and low density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol while it
increases high density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol. Ezetimibe lowers blood cholesterol by blocking the
absorption of cholesterol, including dietary cholesterol, from the
intestine. Vytorin does not affect the absorption of triglycerides. Simvastatin belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly called "statins.” Statins reduce
cholesterol by blocking an enzyme in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase) that
produces cholesterol. Vytorin lower total and LDL cholesterol in the
blood as well as triglycerides. It also increase HDL cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol is believed to be an important cause of coronary artery
disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels slows and may even reverse
coronary artery disease. Raising HDL cholesterol levels also may slow
coronary artery disease. Vytorin was approved by the FDA in July, 2004.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects are
headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and abnormal liver
tests. The most serious potential side effects are liver damage and
muscle inflammation or breakdown. Simvastatin is a statin. Therefore it
shares side effects, such as liver and muscle damage, that are
associated with statins. Inflammation of the muscles caused by statins
can lead to a serious breakdown of muscle cells called rhabdomyolysis.
To prevent the development of rhabdomyolysis, patients taking Vytorin
should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they develop
unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or muscle tenderness. |
