ezetimibe and rosuvastatin
What is the most important information I should know about ezetimibe and rosuvastatin?
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
What is ezetimibe and rosuvastatin?
Ezetimibe and rosuvastatin is a combination medicine that is used to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL).
Ezetimibe and rosuvastatin is used together with a low-fat diet and other treatments to lower cholesterol in adults.
Ezetimibe and rosuvastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ezetimibe and rosuvastatin?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to rosuvastatin (Crestor) or ezetimibe (Vytorin, Zetia), or if you have:
- active liver disease; or
- cirrhosis.
May harm an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Ask your doctor about the best method of birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking ezetimibe and rosuvastatin.
Do not breastfeed.
Ezetimibe and rosuvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in adults 65 or older, in people of Asian descent, and in people who use certain other medicines or have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- unexplained weakness or muscle pain;
- a thyroid disorder;
- diabetes;
- liver or kidney disease;
- a habit of drinking more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day; or
- liver problems caused by alcohol.
Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take ezetimibe and rosuvastatin?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take this medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and blood tests.
Tell any doctor who treats you that you take this medicine, especially if you have a major illness, surgery, or medical emergency.
Keep using this medicine even if you feel well. You will need blood tests to determine if this medicine is lowering your cholesterol.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Remove a tablet only when you're ready to take it.
Throw away any tablets not used within 30 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. Do not use two doses within 12 hours.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking ezetimibe and rosuvastatin?
Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours after you take ezetimibe and rosuvastatin.
Grapefruit may interact with ezetimibe and rosuvastatin and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or this medicine will not be as effective.
What are the possible side effects of ezetimibe and rosuvastatin?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, itching; wheezing, dizziness, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially if you also have fever);
- upper stomach pain, loss of appetite;
- severe weakness or tiredness;
- dark colored urine; or
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects may include:
- headache, dizziness;
- stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
- muscle or joint pain;
- pain in your hands, legs, or back;
- feeling weak or tired; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect ezetimibe and rosuvastatin?
If you also take cholestyramine, colesevelam, or colestipol: Take your ezetimibe and rosuvastatin dose 2 hours before or 4 hours after you take the other medicine.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs can increase the risk of serious muscle problems when used with ezetimibe and rosuvastatin, especially:
- colchicine, cyclosporine;
- antifungal medication --fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole;
- a blood thinner --warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;
- cancer medicine --darolutamide, regoragenib;
- other cholesterol medications --fenofibrate, fenofibric acid, gemfibrozil, niacin, nicotinic acid;
- hepatitis C medication that contains --dasabuvir, elbasvir, glecaprevir, grazoprevir, ledipasvir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, pibrentasvir, sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, or voxilaprevir; or
- HIV/AIDS medication --atazanavir, fosamprenavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, simeprevir, tipranavir.
This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect ezetimibe and rosuvastatin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about ezetimibe and rosuvastatin.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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