Vytorin contains a combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin. Ezetimibe reduces the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the body. Ezetimibe and simvastatin reduce the blood levels of “bad” cholesterol (low density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides, while increasing levels of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). Vytorin is used together with low-fat diet and other treatments to lower total cholesterol.

Manufacturer Information

We currently have the brand from UK (also known as Inegy) and New Zealand manufactured by Merck. The generic is also known as Etalize-S (by Sava), Vilaztin EZ (by Centurion) or Simvotin EZ comes from India. Vytorin is available in tablet form and strengths of 10 mg/10 mg, 10 mg/20 mg, 10 mg/40 mg, and 10 mg/80 mg.

Serious side effects include:

• Dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• Little or no urinating, pain in your side or lower back;
• Nausea, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness;
• Swelling, rapid weight gain

Less serious side effects include:

• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
• Diarrhea;
• Headache

You should not use Vytorin if you are allergic to simvastatin (Zocor) or ezetimibe (Vytorin, Zetia). Vytorin can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use Vytorin if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant. Use effective birth control. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. It is unknown whether ezetimibe and simvastatin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while using this medicine. Vytorin should not be combined with drugs that decrease its elimination such as erythromycin, nizoral, itraconazole, sporanox, biaxin, ketek, cyclosporine, etc.