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Side Effects of Vytorin

Vytorin is a prescription medication used to lower cholesterol levels. It is a blend of two medications, ezetimibe and simvastatin.

  1. Significance

    • About 5 percent of patients during Vytorin trials stopped using it because of side effects, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

    Common Side Effects

    • Common side effects of Vytorin include headaches, diarrhea, increased incidences of influenza, upper respiratory tract infections, muscle pain and pain in your extremities.

    Drug Interactions

    • Taking Vytorin along with antifungal medications such as ketoconazole, antibiotics such as erythromycin, antidepressants such as nefazodone, and drugs used to treat complications of HIV may increase the risk of muscle damage.

    Risks

    • A very small number of Vytorin users experience rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of muscle tissue that may lead to kidney failure. Liver failure is also a risk when taking the drug.

    Considerations

    • Because Vytorin is toxic to a fetus and increases the risk of miscarriage, doctors rarely prescribe it for pregnant women.

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