A combination of ezetimibe (Zetia/Ezetrol) and simvastatin (Zocor), Vytorin is one of two market trade names manufactured by Merck & Co. Meant to lower cholesterol levels through the inhibition of cholesterol absorption in the small intestine, Vytorin is usually considered as a last resort by experts as there has been no proof of enhancement in terms of effects as opposed to taking simvastatin as a standalone drug.
Vytorin usually comes in the form of 10/10mg, 10/20mg 10/40mg, and 10/80mg tablets. The dosage would be based on your doctor’s prescription and this could be adjusted on a case to case basis. However, the recommended dose is 10/10mg to 10/40mg a day. This prescription drug could be taken on an empty stomach.
Vytorin Cost Information
Several online pharmacies put the price of a single tablet within the range of USD2-4 depending on location. It is usually sold in 60 – 90 tablet bottles, although 30-tablet ones would not be that hard to find. Significant discounts await those in possession of relevant coupons, with prices slashed up to 50%.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 10mg/10mg | 30 tablets | $182.44 |
| 10mg/20mg | 30 tablets | $212.00 |
| 10mg/40mg | 30 tablets | $213.00 |
| 10mg/80mg | 30 tablets | $208.00 |
Kmart |
| 10mg/10mg | 30 tablets | $182.94 |
| 10mg/20mg | 30 tablets | $182.94 |
| 10mg/40mg | 30 tablets | $201.00 |
| 10mg/80mg | 30 tablets | $182.94 |
Kroger |
| 10mg/10mg | 30 tablets | $184.52 |
| 10mg/20mg | 30 tablets | $184.52 |
| 10mg/40mg | 30 tablets | $218.49 |
| 10mg/80mg | 30 tablets | $184.52 |
Publix |
| 10mg/10mg | 30 tablets | $184.52 |
| 10mg/20mg | 30 tablets | $225.00 |
| 10mg/40mg | 30 tablets | $184.52 |
| 10mg/80mg | 30 tablets | $184.52 |
Rite Aid |
| 10mg/10mg | 30 tablets | $235.00 |
| 10mg/20mg | 30 tablets | $235.00 |
| 10mg/40mg | 30 tablets | $235.00 |
| 10mg/80mg | 30 tablets | $235.00 |
Target |
| 10mg/10mg | 30 tablets | $184.91 |
| 10mg/20mg | 30 tablets | $229.00 |
| 10mg/40mg | 30 tablets | $184.91 |
| 10mg/80mg | 30 tablets | $189.00 |
Walgreens |
| 10mg/10mg | 30 tablets | $207.00 |
| 10mg/20mg | 30 tablets | $219.00 |
| 10mg/40mg | 30 tablets | $224.00 |
| 10mg/80mg | 30 tablets | $210.00 |
Walmart |
| 10mg/10mg | 30 tablets | $180.15 |
| 10mg/20mg | 30 tablets | $180.15 |
| 10mg/40mg | 30 tablets | $180.15 |
| 10mg/80mg | 30 tablets | $180.15 |
Short-Term Side Effects
Common side effects of Vytorin intake include headache, diarrhea, and symptoms similar to that of common colds. There have also been reported cases of breathing difficulty and inflammation in certain parts of the face, more or less due to allergic reaction. Some other common gastrointestinal side effects include nausea, flatulence, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain. If such symptoms persist, it would be advisable to consult your doctor.
Long-Term Side Effects
Clinical studies show that there have been rare cases wherein simvastatin intake is said to have triggered musculoskeletal defects which include myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, as well as renal failure. There are also some studies exploring long-term side effects that are hepatic, dermatologic, immunologic, and respiratory in nature.
How It Works
Containing two cholesterol medications in a single tablet, Vytorin is normally taken while on a low-fat diet, and usually ingested in tandem with other forms of treatment to lower the body’s cholesterol levels. The combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin act to increase the level of good cholesterol while lowering the levels of bad cholesterol.
Ezetimibe specifically reduces cholesterol in the blood by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, consequently reducing the cholesterol output to the liver. Simvastatin, on the other hand, blocks an enzyme which contributes to the body’s production of cholesterol. Vytorin is not recommended for pregnant women, mothers who breastfeed, and individuals with acute liver problems.
Drug Interactions
It is not recommended to take Vytorin together with grapefruit juice, as this is known to significantly increase plasma concentrations. There are around 64 known major drug interactions which include aspirin, nefazodone, verapamil, danazol, erythromycin, gabapentine, metoprolol, nexium, and furosemide, among many others. Other substances include protease inhibitors, niacin, vitamin D3, as well as fish oil, particularly Omega-3.
Generic Alternatives
The generic name of Vytorin is Ezetimibe/simvastatin, a combination drug. It is also marketed under the trade name Inegy, which is also manufactured by Merck & Co.
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