Tonact EZ (ezetimibe, atorvastatin) helps patients lower high blood cholesterol. Though very similar to the medication Vytorin, Tonact EZ does contain a different type of statin.

The two ingredients in this medication are:

• Ezetimibe inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, which decreases the amount of cholesterol delivered to the liver, forcing the liver to produce its own cholesterol.
• Atorvastatin is a statin which inhibits the liver's ability to make its own cholesterol.

Combined the two ingredients lower overall blood cholesterol. While this can be dangerous in individuals with naturally low ranges, it is very beneficial in individuals who have high cholesterol.

The difference between Vytorin and Tonact EZ is the statin used; while Tonact EZ contains atorvastatin, Vytorin contains simvastatin. In most respects these two statins are identical, including beneficial effects.

While both Vytorin and Tonact EZ can produce the same range of side effects, there are some slight differences in the likelihood they'll be experienced, especially when taking into consideration other medical conditions that may be present. Patients concerned about side effects should discuss the issue with a doctor; a change in medication may be recommended. For most individuals, however, there's no noticeable difference between the two medications.

Lifestyle Changes

The majority of patients prescribed Tonact EZ are also advised to make lifestyle changes, including modifying diet, regular exercise, reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, and so forth. For some patients lifestyle changes alone are enough to naturally reduce cholesterol and stop taking medications.

Others aren't so lucky though; some patients, despite making significant lifestyle changes and rigorously sticking to them, continue to have high cholesterol and continue to need medications to control it. These individuals may need to take Tonact EZ or a similar product for the remainder of life.

Common lifestyle advice includes:

• Reach and maintain a healthy weight
• Get regular exercise
• Reduce or eliminate saturated fats
• Eat more soluble fiber
• Quit smoking

Advice varies to some extent from country to country; for example, doctors in some locations may advise a glass of wine each day, while others will suggest abstaining completely. There are also numerous personal variables that will influence advice for an individual. In the majority of cases it won't hurt too much to try to follow doctor advice; in best case scenarios, medication may no longer be needed.

Taking Tonact EZ

Tonact EZ comes in tablets, typically taken just once per day in the evening. Taking with food is optional, but may ease gastrointestinal side effects if experienced. Full effects can be measured after two weeks of treatment or following dosage adjustments.

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

Rarely some patients are instructed to take 10/80 mg 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.

Patients who are over 65 years old or of Chinese descent will likely require additional monitoring by a doctor for the duration of treatment.

Potential Side Effects

Tonact EZ 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

Additionally the medication can interact with a wide range of other medications, some of which cannot be taken with Tonact EZ. 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

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