DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Atorvastatin; Ezetimibe

March 21, 2017

Ezetimibe, Atorvastatin Calcium Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

ATORVASTATIN; EZETIMIBE (a TORE va sta tin; ez ET i mibe) blocks the body's ability to absorb and make cholesterol. It is used to lower cholesterol. It is only for patients whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • diabetes

  • history of stroke

  • if you often drink alcohol

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • muscle aches or weakness

  • thyroid disease

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to atorvastatin, ezetimibe, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • posaconazole

  • red yeast rice

  • telithromycin

  • voriconazole

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • alcohol

  • antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

  • boceprevir

  • certain antibiotics like erythromycin and clarithromycin

  • certain medicines for cholesterol like fenofibrate or gemfibrozil

  • cimetidine

  • colchicine

  • cyclosporine

  • digoxin

  • female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills

  • grapefruit juice

  • medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole

  • niacin

  • rifampin

  • spironolactone

  • telaprevir

  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check-ups. You may need regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.

Tell your doctor or health care professional right away if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness. Your doctor or health care professional may tell you to stop taking this medicine if you develop muscle problems. If your muscle problems do not go away after stopping this medicine, contact your health care professional.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

This drug is only part of a total heart-health program. Your doctor or a dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to help. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • confusion

  • dark urine

  • general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

  • light-colored stools

  • loss of appetite, nausea

  • loss of memory

  • muscle pain

  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

  • right upper belly pain

  • trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

  • unusually weak or tired

  • yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

  • cough

  • diarrhea

  • dizziness

  • joint pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Store in the foil pouch until use. After the foil pouch is opened, protect this medicine from moisture and light. Once a tablet is removed, slide blister card back into case. Store the case in a dry place, and throw away any unused tablets 30 days after the pouch is opened.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert