Prescription medication · Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor / Statin Combination

ezetimibe/simvastatin

Name: ezetimibe/simvastatin - FDA Drug Safety & Adverse Event Data
Creator: PlainMeds
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

Also sold as Vytorin. Vytorin is used along with a healthy diet to lower high LDL cholesterol.

Compiled by PlainMeds Editorial, Drug Information Editorial Team

Data updated 2026-05-15

6,834
FDA reports: 23
InteractionsSeveral interactions: $12.58
Brand price (NADAC)

What the data shows

ezetimibe/simvastatin (Vytorin) is a prescription Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor / Statin Combination, with 6,834 FDA adverse-event reports on file, with 23 documented drug interactions.

Reporting volume reflects how widely a drug is used and studied, not how dangerous it is, a FAERS report documents a temporal association, never proof of cause.

ezetimibe/simvastatin (Vytorin) is a prescription Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor / Statin Combination. Vytorin is used along with a healthy diet to lower high LDL cholesterol.

Vytorin is a combination medicine that contains ezetimibe and simvastatin. It helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL-C) in your blood.

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Drug Pricing (NADAC)

Brand Price

$12.58/unit

Generic Available

Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →

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What it does

Vytorin is used along with a healthy diet to lower high LDL cholesterol.

Common side effects

Headache, Increased liver enzyme (ALT), Muscle pain

Key warnings

Vytorin can cause muscle problems, including myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

The sections below are summarized in plain English from ezetimibe/simvastatin's FDA-approved prescribing information. They describe what the official label says, and are not personal medical advice.

How It Works

Ezetimibe reduces the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs from food. Simvastatin belongs to a class of drugs called statins. Statins lower cholesterol by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol.

How to Take It

Take Vytorin once a day in the evening. You can take it with or without food. The usual dose is between 10/10 mg to 10/40 mg daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your cholesterol levels.

This is a plain-language summary of ezetimibe/simvastatin's FDA labeling, not individualized dosing advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before changing how you take this medication.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Do not take Vytorin if you are pregnant. It can harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, as it is not recommended during treatment with Vytorin.

This is a plain-language summary of ezetimibe/simvastatin's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about pregnancy or breastfeeding on this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

This is a plain-language summary of ezetimibe/simvastatin's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber what to do about your specific missed dose.

Storage

Store Vytorin at room temperature (68°F to 77°F) in a tightly closed container.

Side Effects (from patient reports)

Based on 6,834 FDA adverse event reports.

Feeling sick to your stomach

1,008
Feeling tired

771
Feeling lightheaded

731
General pain

702
Muscle pain

669
Shortness of breath

644
Weakness

601
Loose stools

600
Head pain

562
Pain in arm or leg

546

What this shows Bars show how often each reaction was reported, not how likely it is to happen, a report records a temporal association, never proof that the drug caused it.

Serious Warnings

Vytorin can cause muscle problems, including myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Tell your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever or feel sick. Vytorin can also cause liver problems. Your doctor may do blood tests to check your liver before you start taking Vytorin and while you take it.

Known Drug Interactions

major amlodipine

For patients taking amiodarone, amlodipine, or ranolazine, do not exceed VYTORIN 10/20 mg daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] .

Mechanism: Amlodipine can cause the cholesterol medication to stay in your system longer, which increases the chance of muscle pain or weakness.

What to do: Your daily dose of ezetimibe and simvastatin should be limited to 10 mg/20 mg to prevent muscle problems.

major diltiazem

Intervention: For patients taking verapamil, diltiazem, or dronedarone, do not exceed VYTORIN 10/10 mg daily.

Mechanism: Diltiazem slows down the breakdown of simvastatin in your body, which can lead to higher levels of the drug in your blood. This increases the risk of serious muscle damage.

What to do: Do not take more than 10/10 mg of VYTORIN daily if you are also taking diltiazem.

major verapamil

Intervention: For patients taking verapamil, diltiazem, or dronedarone, do not exceed VYTORIN 10/10 mg daily.

Mechanism: Verapamil prevents your body from processing simvastatin correctly, causing the drug to build up to high levels. This can lead to severe muscle pain or weakness.

What to do: Your doctor should limit your VYTORIN dose to 10/10 mg daily while you are on verapamil.

major cyclosporine

Cyclosporine, Danazol, or Gemfibrozil Clinical Impact: The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased with concomitant use of cyclosporine, danazol, or gemfibrozil with VYTORIN. Intervention: Concomitant use of cyclosporine, danazol, or gemfibrozil with VYTORIN is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] .

Mechanism: Cyclosporine causes a large increase in simvastatin levels in your blood, which can lead to a dangerous condition where muscle tissue breaks down.

What to do: You should not take these two medications together at the same time.

major amiodarone

Amiodarone, Dronedarone, Ranolazine, or Calcium Channel Blockers Clinical Impact: The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased by concomitant use of amiodarone, dronedarone, ranolazine, or calcium channel blockers with VYTORIN. For patients taking amiodarone, amlodipine, or ranolazine, do not exceed VYTORIN 10/20 mg daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] .

Mechanism: Amiodarone slows the removal of simvastatin from your system, which increases the risk of muscle injury.

What to do: Your daily dose of VYTORIN should not exceed 10/20 mg if you are taking amiodarone.

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This is a plain-language summary of interactions documented in FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before combining medications.

Common Questions

Can I take Vytorin with other medications?

Some medicines can interact with Vytorin. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What should I avoid while taking Vytorin?

Avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice, as it can increase the level of simvastatin in your blood.

How often will my cholesterol be checked?

Your doctor will check your cholesterol levels regularly, usually within 2 to 4 weeks after starting Vytorin or changing your dose.

What if I have kidney problems?

Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems. Doses higher than 10/20 mg should be used carefully if you have moderate to severe kidney problems.

Can Vytorin cause diabetes?

Vytorin may slightly increase your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may monitor your blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes.

What are the symptoms of rhabdomyolysis?

Symptoms include muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, along with fever or feeling sick. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.

Can I stop taking Vytorin if my cholesterol is under control?

Do not stop taking Vytorin without talking to your doctor first. Your cholesterol levels may increase if you stop taking it.

Does Vytorin have lactose?

Yes, Vytorin contains lactose monohydrate.

How long will I need to take Vytorin?

Your doctor will determine how long you need to take Vytorin. It is often a long-term treatment.

What if I forget to refill my prescription?

Try to refill your prescription before you run out of medicine. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double your next dose.

What are the common side effects of ezetimibe/simvastatin?

The most commonly reported side effects of ezetimibe/simvastatin include Headache, Increased liver enzyme (ALT), Muscle pain, Upper respiratory tract infection, Diarrhea. Based on 6,834 FDA adverse event reports. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.

Does ezetimibe/simvastatin interact with other medications?

Yes, ezetimibe/simvastatin has 23 known drug interactions. Notable interactions include amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

What drug class is ezetimibe/simvastatin?

ezetimibe/simvastatin belongs to the Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor / Statin Combination drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). Vytorin is used along with a healthy diet to lower high LDL cholesterol.

Is ezetimibe/simvastatin safe during pregnancy?

Do not take Vytorin if you are pregnant. It can harm your unborn baby. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Related Medications in Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor / Statin Combination

Other drugs grouped near ezetimibe/simvastatin - same-class peers and common alternatives.

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