Vytorin 10/20 is a combination of two cholesterol-lowering medications containing 10 mg of ezetimibe and 20 mg of simvastatin. Ezetimibe works by reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food, while simvastatin works to prevent cholesterol formation in the body. According to the manufacturer of Vytorin, Merck, Sharp and Dohme, both of these medications may contribute to a number of side effects, some of which may be severe.
Common Side Effects
Vytorin 10/20 may cause a number of side effects that are common such as headache, nausea and diarrhea. Muscle pain, fatigue and flu-like symptoms may also be experienced by some patients. Some patients may experience depression, foggy thinking, decreased libido or other mental changes such as anxiety and insomnia. Most of these side effects of Vytorin are mild and will subside after becoming accustomed to the medication, but a physician should be consulted if symptoms are severe or persist.
Serious Side Effects
One of the ingredients in Vytorin, simvastatin, has been linked to a breakdown of joint and muscle tissue--a condition known as rhabdomolysis. Joint pain and severe or long-lasting muscle pain, numbness, tingling or weakness should be reported to a physician along with any occurrence of chest pain. When rhabdomolysis develops, it may result in kidney failure--consequently, changes in urine production should be reported to a physician immediately. Inflammation and toxicity of the liver has also been reported in some patients. This may cause abnormalities in lab tests along with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, darkening of the urine and yellowing of the skin.
The pancreas has also been affected in some patients, along with the development of gallstones in others. A physician should be consulted for any cases of severe or persistent abdominal pain. Though allergic reactions are rare with Vytorin use, a severe allergy response including rash, hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of the lips or mouth warrants immediate medical attention.
Contraindications
As Vytorin may cause liver damage along with possible pancreatic inflammation and the development of gallstones, patients with decreased liver function, hepatitis or pancreatitis may not be able to take the medication. Because of these conditions, patients should also be advised to limit alcohol consumption while taking Vytorin. The physician should also be advised if thyroid conditions or muscle disorders exist, as Vytorin may cause changes to skeletal muscle and thyroid function. Taking other medications such as corticosteroids or birth control pills may warrant dosage adjustments or additional laboratory testing while taking Vytorin. Patients who are allergic to the medications contained in Vytorin as well as women who are pregnant or nursing should not take Vytorin, as it has been shown to cause birth defects in animals.
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