EZETIMIBE-SIMVASTATIN (Generic for VYTORIN)

Ezetimibe 10mg, Simvastatin 20mg, Oral tablet

Grapefruit juice

· Severity: Major

· Notes for Consumers: Simvastatin (Zocor) may be taken with or without food. Continue to follow the cholesterol-reducing diet recommended by your health care provider. It is recommended that you avoid taking Simvastatin with large amounts of grapefruit juice. Large amounts of grapefruit juice (greater than 1 quart per day) can increase the side effects of Simvastatin. Orange juice is safe to drink. Contact your prescriber immediately if you experience unexplained muscle aches, muscle pain or tenderness, general weakness or fatigue, side or back pain, or decreased urination while taking Simvastatin (Zocor).

· Notes for Professionals: Large quantities of grapefruit juice are contraindicated during simvastatin therapy due to the increased risk of myopathy. Grapefruit juice contains compounds that inhibits the CYP3A4 isozyme in the gut wall. Coadministration with grapefruit juice increases the peak serum concentrations and the AUC of lovastatin and may have a similar effect on the serum concentrations of simvastatin. Grapefruit juice should be avoided or minimized in patients taking simvastatin to avoid the potential for myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

<b>DISCLAIMER:</b><em> This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.</em>