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 purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How should I take ezetimibe and simvastatin?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take ezetimibe and simvastatin once a day with or without food. Try to take it at the same time every day.
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 using blood tests at regular intervals. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. Store ezetimibe and simvastatin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of ezetimibe and simvastatin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while taking ezetimibe and simvastatin?
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Ezetimibe and simvastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
If you take another cholesterol-lowering medication such as cholestyramine (Locholest, Prevalite, Questran), colestipol (Colestid), or colesevelam (Welchol), take your ezetimibe and simvastatin dose at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after the other medication(s).
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with ezetimibe and simvastatin and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking ezetimibe and simvastatin. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Ezetimibe and simvastatin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Ezetimibe and simvastatin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using ezetimibe and simvastatin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine;
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decreased urine or rust-colored urine; or
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blurred vision.
Keep taking ezetimibe and simvastatin and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
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stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea;
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cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose;
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tiredness;
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headache;
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skin rash or itching;
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joint pain, back pain;
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insomnia.
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