Vytorin, a cholesterol lowering medication, combines ezetimibe, brand name Zetia, and simvastatin, brand name Zocor into one medication. Cholesterol, an important material in the production of hormones and cell wall membranes, is synthesized in the liver and also obtained from your diet. If your cholesterol levels are elevated, the risk for heart disease, stroke and heart attack increases. When dietary changes, weight loss and exercise don't effectively lower cholesterol levels, you might require medication to further your treatment regimen.
Significance
Cholesterol, a kind of lipid, combines with a protein to form a lipoprotein which enables it to move through the bloodstream, but excess cholesterol can cause plaque formation in your blood vessels. The lipoproteins that cause the most concern for increased risk of heart disease are low-density lipoproteins, LDL. High-density lipoproteins, HDL, are desirable and hinder the development of heart disease. Lowering LDL levels and raising HDL levels is the goal of treatment with medication.
Combination Medications
Vytorin is a combination of simvastatin, which acts in the liver to hamper manufacture of cholesterol, with ezetimibe, which acts in the intestine to stop absorption of dietary cholesterol. Dosing is expressed as a fraction representing each drug: Vytorin 10/20 with 10 mg ezetimibe and 20 mg of simvastatin. The simvastatin portion is available in: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg doses and can be altered according to your response.
Side Effects
Vytorin is inappropriate for patients with pre-existing diseases such as kidney failure, liver failure, diabetes or thyroid disorders. Chinese descent or alcoholic beverage consumption can also preclude its use. Adverse effects include muscle pain, fever, dark-colored urine, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping. Vytorin can cause muscle tissue to break down. Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, the most serious muscle tissue side effects, require discontinuation of Vytorin and are more common in uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment and in individuals 65 or older.
Behavior Modifications
Medications are not a quick fix to decrease the risk of heart disease but part of a lifestyle regimen that includes dietary changes, consistent daily exercise and weight loss. A diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol can help lower total cholesterol and LDL levels. Low cholesterol foods include low-fat cottage cheese, fish, poultry, fat-free milk and egg whites. Only animal-derived food products contain cholesterol; fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, grains and legumes contain none. Those taking Vytorin should avoid grapefruit juice, which elevates blood levels of simvastatin and increases the risk of adverse effects.
