Ships from the UK with tracking.

Vytorin (ezetimibe, simvastatin), also known as Inegy in Europe, is used to help patients manage high blood cholesterol. This product contains two medications, both of which help lower cholesterol:

• Ezetimibe inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, which decreases the amount of cholesterol delivered to the liver.
• Simvastatin is a statin, which works by inhibiting the body's ability to make its own cholesterol.

Together the medications offer a convenient solution, rather than purchasing and taking multiple single medications. The medications are thought to be slightly more potent when taken together, rather than separately.

Vytorin's two ingredients are also sold independently, ezetimibe as the well-known Zetia and simvastatin as the even more well-known Zocor.

Vytorin can be used in patients as young as 10 years old.

Lowering Blood Cholesterol with Vytorin

Vytorin is recommended in patients who are unable to control cholesterol levels through diet alone; a low-fat diet should continue throughout treatment. Exercise and weight control are also recommended. Doctor instructions should be followed closely throughout treatment.

Dosage depends on a number of factors, including other medications being taken, other medical conditions present, and other individual variables like age and weight. In general, for otherwise healthy adults:

• Patients are typically started on 10/10 mg ezetimibe/simvastatin per day. Some will be started on 10/20 mg per day.
• After two weeks, dosage may be increased, if needed, to 10/40 mg ezetimibe/simvastatin per day.
• Patients who need a large reduction of cholesterol may be started on 10/40 mg per day.

Tablets are taken once per day, usually in the evening. Taking with food is optional. Full effects can be seen after two weeks of treatment or following dosage adjustments.

Rarely some patients are given 10/80 mg ezetimibe/simvastatin per day. This higher dosage is relatively unusual, due to the increased risk of side effects. Patients are never started on this dosage, and will need to be monitored for the first year of treatment for muscle disorders, which can lead to kidney failure.

Warnings & Adverse Effects

Vytorin is not the best treatment for everyone. Patients who have abnormal liver tests or acute liver disease should avoid it completely. Those at increased risk of side effects include those who have a history of:

• Liver or kidney disease
• Low blood pressure
• Thyroid disorder
• Seizures
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Alcoholism

Patients who are over 65 years of age also call for special treatment, as do those of Chinese descent.

Additionally the medication can interact with a wide range of other medications, some of which cannot be taken with Vytorin. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments. Of particular concern are:

• Antibiotics
• Antifungals
• Hepatitis C medications
• HIV/AIDS medications

Side effects are typically mild and not cause for concern, including headache, diarrhea, and cold-like symptoms. More rarely, serious side effects may occur which warrant medical attention:

• Jaundice
• Dark urine or clay-colored stools
• Severe nausea
• Severe fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in upper stomach, side, or lower back
• Little to no urination
• Rapid, unexplained weight gain

Vytorin is known to cause serious birth defects and should not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding.