Ezetimibe/Simvastatin

Ezetimibe/simvastatin is a prescription drug approved for the treatment of high cholesterol and triglycerides. It is a combination product that contains a cholesterol absorption inhibitor and a statin. This medication has been shown to help increase "good" cholesterol and decrease "bad" cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. While most people have no problems with this drug, potential side effects include headache, muscle pain, and diarrhea.

Ezetimibe and Simvastatin Drug Information

What Is Ezetimibe/Simvastatin?

Ezetimibe/simvastatin (Vytorin^®) is a prescription medication used for high cholesterol and high triglycerides. It is a combination of two medicines -- ezetimibe (Zetia^®), which is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, and simvastatin (Zocor^®), which is part of a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (more commonly known as statins).

(Click What Is Ezetimibe/Simvastatin Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Potential Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects can occur with ezetimibe/simvastatin. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or a healthcare professional. Most people do not need to stop taking the medicine if side effects develop.

The most common side effects thought to be related to ezetimibe/simvastatin are:

Headache
Muscle pain, known medically as myalgia (see Vytorin and Muscle Pain)
Upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
Flu
Diarrhea.

Keep in mind that if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or you feel ill, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. This could be a sign of a serious, life-threatening muscle problem.

(Click Side Effects of Ezetimibe/Simvastatin to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)

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