What is the most important information I should know about ezetimibe and simvastatin?
Ezetimibe and simvastatin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also
includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines
very closely.
It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine before your
cholesterol levels
improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Your cholesterol will need to
be measured with blood tests at regular intervals. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your
doctor.
This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use
if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you
become pregnant during treatment.
In rare cases, ezetimibe and simvastatin can cause a condition that results in the
breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor
at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu
symptoms, and dark colored urine.
What is ezetimibe and simvastatin?
Ezetimibe and simvastatin are cholesterol-lowering medicines. They reduce the amount
of cholesterol (a type of fat) absorbed by the body and block the production of cholesterol in the
body.
The combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin lowers "bad" cholesterol in the blood, (also
called LDL, or low-density lipoprotein) and raises "good" cholesterol (also called HDL, or
high-density lipoprotein). Lowering your LDL and raising your HDL cholesterol levels may
reduce your risk of hardened arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and circulation
problems.
Ezetimibe and simvastatin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ezetimibe and simvastatin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ezetimibe (Zetia) or
simvastatin (Zocor), or if you have:
Before taking ezetimibe and simvastatin, tell your doctor if you are
allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take this medication.
In rare cases, ezetimibe and simvastatin can cause a condition that results in the
breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor
at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu
symptoms, and dark colored urine.
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not
use ezetimibe and simvastatin if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you
become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using
this medication.
It is not known whether ezetimibe and simvastatin passes into breast milk or if it
could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 10 years old.
Print
Email
Save
Media Gallery
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
