Vytorin, marketed by the pharmaceutical company Merck & Co., is a cholesterol-lowering drug that contains two lipid lowering medicines, Zetia and Zocor. This drug is only a part of the complete treatment program. In addition to taking Vytorin as prescribed by your doctor, the therapy also needs to be complimented with low-fat diet and regular physical workout. Vytorin reduces LDL cholesterol and triglyceride that can accumulate in the artery walls and block the blood flow. Moreover, this drug also raises the HDL cholesterol that prevents fats from accumulating and blocking the arteries. Approved by many drug regulatory authorities worldwide, this drug is recommended to patients, who cannot control their cholesterol levels by diet and physical activity alone.

There are some general usages considerations that patients should keep in mind while taking this drug. This will help them to achieve best and maximum effect of the medication. Some of the important usage instructions of Vytorin include:

• The medication should be taken at the same time each day. Patients are advised to administer the medicine in the evening.
• Vytorin can be taken with or without food.
• Patients should not alter the dosage on their own.
• This drug needs to be followed with low-fat diet and regular physical work-out in order to have best effect of the medication.
• Patients stopping the drug without the doctor’s advice are again at risk of high cholesterol level.

Vytorin Dosages

The dose of Vytorin is determined by the doctor depending upon the patient’s age, medical condition for which they are treated, other medications that patients are currently taking and the severity of the problem. Recommended starting dosage for adults is one tablet of strength 10/10 or 10/20 that should be taken by mouth each day with a glass full of water. Vytorin 10/80 tablet is only recommended to patients who are at high risk of heart problems and are not able to control their cholesterol level with lower doses. After two or more weeks the dosages can be titrated again depending upon the lipid level tests of the patients.

Missed Dose and Overdose

Missing a dose of Vytorin does not cause any harm. However, patients can take the missed dose upon remembering and if it is almost the time for next dose, patients can resume with their regular dosing schedule.

In case of Vytorin overdose, patients must seek emergency medical help to avoid any unwanted effects. Patients can also contact their local poison control help line for necessary medical advices.

Storage Instructions

Vytorin must be stored at ideal room temperature of 20°C to 25°C and must be protected from direct sunlight and heat. Direct exposure of light and heat can reduce the effectiveness of the drug. The drug should be inaccessible to children and pets. Users should safely dispose the unused and expired drugs.

The following warnings and precautions should be considered while taking Vytorin:

• Patients allergic to Ezetimibe, Simvastatin or other ingredients of Vytorin should not take the drug.
• Patients with active liver disease or negative results of their liver function tests are also advised to avoid Vytorin.
• Pregnant women should avoid using the drug. The drug may be harmful to the fetus.
• Patients suffering from liver or kidney disease should avoid using this medicine.
• Frequent use of alcohol while taking this drug can affect the functioning of the liver.
• Grapefruit juice should not be consumed while taking Vytorin.

Patients using Vytorin may experience some of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions while taking this medication. Most of the side effects associated with Vytorin are mild and do not require any medical intervention. These side effects usually go away with the regular use of the drug. Some of the common side effects that may be reported with Vytorin include:

• Diarrhea
• Cold or sore throat
• Hives
• Trouble sleeping
• Headache
• Rash

Severe side effects may occur while taking Vytorin but are rarely experienced. However, if anyone using this drug experiences these severe side effects, one should immediately stop using the drug and consult their doctor. Some of the severe side effects that one may experience are as follows:

• Pain in side or lower back
• Tired feeling or weakness
• Dark urine
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Muscle pain
• Upper belly pain
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing of your skin or eyes
• Little or no urinating
• Swelling
• Rapid weight gain

Vytorin Drug Interactions

Vytorin may interact with certain medications and cause adverse health complications. Thus, patients are advised to inform their doctor about all the prescription, non-prescription, vitamins and herbal supplements taken by them. Vytorin may interact with the following medications:

• Cyclosporine
• Niacin
• Amiodarone or Dronedarone
• Hepatitis C virus protease inhibitors
• Antibiotics
• Fibric acid derivatives
• Verapamil, Diltiazem, Amlodipine, or Ranolazine
• Colchicine
• HIV protease inhibitors (Indinavir, Nelfinavir, Ritonavir, Saquinavir, Tipranavir, Atazanavir)
• Nefazodone
• Danazol
• Anti-fungal medicines (Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Posaconazole, Voriconazole)
• Gemfibrozil