Ezetimibe & Atorvastatin

Ezetimibe/atorvastatin is a prescription medication, used in combination with diet and exercise, to treat high cholesterol. It is also used to lower cholesterol in people with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH, a hereditary disorder that causes high cholesterol levels).

Ezetimibe/atorvastatin is a single tablet containing two cholesterol-lowering medicines. Ezetimibe belongs to a group of drugs called cholesterol absorption inhibitors, which block the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. Atorvastatin belongs to a group of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, also known as statins, which block an enzyme in the body called HMG-CoA reductase. This is a major enzyme involved in making cholesterol in the body.

Ezetimibe/atorvastatin is available as a once-daily tablet containing 10 mg of ezetimibe combined with 10, 20, 40, or 80 mg of atorvastatin. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.

Common side effects during clinical trial included elevated enzymes (ALT and AST), and musculoskeletal pain.

Ezetimibe/atorvastatin is a prescription medication used to lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol and fatty substances called triglycerides in the blood. In addition, this medication raises levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.

Ezetimibe/atorvastatin is also used to lower cholesterol in people with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH, a hereditary disorder that causes high cholesterol levels).

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Ezetimibe & Atorvastatin may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Liptruzet

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Ezetimibe/atorvastatin falls into category X. This medication should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant. Cholesterol and cholesterol derivatives are needed for normal fetal development, therefore, cholesterol-lowering drugs offer no benefit during pregnancy. Drugs in this category may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.

If you take too much ezetimibe/atorvastatin, call your doctor or Poison Control Center, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

• Store ezetimibe/atorvastatin at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Keep ezetimibe/atorvastatin in the foil pouch until you are ready to take it.
• After you remove a ezetimibe/atorvastatin tablet from the blister card, slide the blister card back into the case (where a case is provided) and store in a dry place.
• Write down the date the foil pouch was opened in the space provided.
• Keep ezetimibe/atorvastatin tablets dry and out of the light.
• Safely throw away unused ezetimibe/atorvastatin tablets 30 days after the foil pouch is opened.

Keep ezetimibe/atorvastatin and all medicines out of the reach of children.