Vytorin is a popular drug designed to lower cholesterol in your body. It lessens the amount of bad cholesterol present in the body which is also known as low-density lipoprotein and increases the level of good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein. By lowering low-density lipoprotein and increasing high-density lipoprotein level, Vytorin lessens the chances of heart attacks, stroke, and other circulation issues which result because of the hardening of arteries. Besides this, this drug is also used to treat other medical conditions.

This medicine is used as a part of a complete treatment which comprises of diet, work out in addition to controlling weight. For this reason, you need to adhere to your diet, medication as well as exercise routine so that you get the desired outcome of this drug.

It generally requires about a couple of weeks for Vytorin to improve your cholesterol levels. You need to follow the directions of your doctor to get the best outcome of this medicine. As your cholesterol level needs to be tested along with blood tests regularly, you need to make sure see your doctor on regular basis during the treatment.

Precautions before taking Vytorin

This drug is not suitable for you if you are allergic to Zetia or Zocor. If you have certain ailments such as liver disease then also you should not use Vytorin. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should also not make use of this medicine.

You also need to intimate your doctor if you have kidney problem, underactive thyroid, diabetes or a muscle disorder. Also, if you have are taking steroids or hormones you should tell your doctor. He may recommend you an adjusted dose of Vytorin or may ask for some special medical tests so that you can use this medicine safely.

Although rare but Vytorin may problems with your skeletal muscle tissues which may break them down. In turn this condition can also give way to kidney failure. For this reason, you must get in touch with your doctor immediately if you notice muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness in addition to fever or if you notice dark urine.

As Vytorin may give way to birth defects, you must not use it in case you are expecting a baby. In case you conceive during the treatment, you need to intimate you doctor. Although it is not established whether Vytorin can passes into breast milk or if it can prove to be detrimental to the wellbeing of the nursing baby, you should not use this medicine if you are breast-feeding your baby. Furthermore, this medicine is not to be used by children under the age of 10.

How to take Vytorin?

You need to take this medicine just as prescribed by your doctor. It must not be taken in larger amounts than prescribed. You should also not continue it for more than the recommended period. Generally, Vytorin is to be consumed once a day; there is no compulsion of having it empty or with full stomach. This drug normally shows its affect in about 2 weeks time.

How to store Vytorin?

You need to keep Vytorin at room temperature. It must not be exposed to moisture or heat.

What to do in case of missing a dose or taking overdose?

If you miss a dose of Vytorin, you must have it as soon as you recall. In case, it is too late and it is time for the next dose, you can simply miss the previous dose and proceed with the next one. There is no need to have more medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

If you take more than the prescribed dose of Vytorin, you must get emergency medical aid. You must be very vigilant in this regard and take prompt action as the taking the overdose of this drug can lead to life-threatening symptoms.

Things to avoid during the course of Vytorin

While taking Vytorin, you should try not to have foods which are replete with fat or cholesterol. This is because you will not be able to get the results of this drug if you do not adhere to a cholesterol-lowering diet.

In case you use some other cholesterol-lowering drug like Locholest, Colestid, or Welcho, you should have Vytorin at least 2 hours before or about 4 hours after having them.

As grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with this drug and produce some side effects, you should take your doctor’s word for it. You should also stay away from taking alcohol during the course of  Vytorin as it enhances the peril of liver damage. You should also avoid going out in the sunlight or artificial UV rays as Vytorin may turn your skin more vulnerable to them leading to sunburns. In case you need to go out, you should use sunscreen or make use of protective clothing.

The side effects of Vytorin

Vytorin may have certain side effects such as allergic reaction including hives, issues in breathing, swelling on face, or tongue. In case you undergo any serious side effects of Vytorin, you must discontinue it and get in touch with your doctor. The grave side effects of Vytorin include pain in muscles, loss of appetite, nausea fever, flu, dark colored urine, pain in stomach, clay-colored stools, and easy bruising or bleeding. Some people may also experience blurred vision. In case of all these side effects, you should seek emergency medical help.

There can be some mild side effects of Vytorin as well. These may include numbness, headache, dizziness, memory issues, depression, constipation or diarrhea. Some people may also experience cough, sore throat, joint or back pain or stuffy nose. Some users have also reported insomnia. Besides these, there can be other side effects of Vytorin as well. For this reason, if you notice any unusual changes within your body, you should speak to your doctor who can guide you in this regard.