by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: August 23, 2010   Last Updated: August 25, 2010

Vyotorin is a combination of Ezetimibe and Simvastatin. Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor. Simvastatin is a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor. Combinations of these drugs act more potently than a single agent in reducing blood cholesterol. But this combination increases the incidence of side effects as well.

Overview

Vyotorin is prescribed in patients with high blood cholesterol that is not controlled with a statin and dietary control alone.

What the doctor should know before prescribing Vyotorin?

The prescribing doctor must know the complete medications history including over the counter drugs the patient is on. The doctor should be informed if you have following diseases or conditions.

* Liver disease

* Kidney disease

* Thyroid problems

* Acute porphyria

* Myopathy

* Rhabdomyolysis

If you are pregnant or breast feeding then the doctor must be informed before writing the prescription.

What are the side effects that need urgent medical advice?

If you develop severe vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite during the drug therapy then you must seek medical advice immediately. It could be due to liver failure induced by these drugs. Both of these drugs are known to cause liver damage.

If you develop severe muscle pain, tenderness and weakness then stop the medication and seek medical advice. Simvastatin is known to cause muscle destruction. 

If you develop widespread hives, edema of the lips and tongue, chest tightness and shortness of breath during drug therapy, then you must seek medical advice immediately.

If the patients get dyspnea, cough, and weight loss then they must seek medical advice, because very rarely this drug can cause interstitial lung disease.

What are the common side effects?

Nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal problems are quite common. In addition sleep disturbances, headache, dizziness, depression, amnesia, parasthesia, peripheral neuropathy are common side effects as well. Some patients may get sexual dysfunction.

What are the uncommon side effects?

Muscle pain and joint pains can occur in several patients. Pancreatitis and gall stone problems can occur with certain patients. Some patients can get yellowish discoloration of the body due to chronic liver damage.

How to minimize side effects?

Take only the prescribed dose. Do not crush the tablets before use. Take the tablets with a full glass of water.  Never take alcohol containing beverages while on this drug. It can cause some serious harm to your liver. You can take this drug without meals.

Other general advice

Keep this drug away from the children. Never share this drug with anybody else.

Sources

BNF

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