Like millions of adults, you’ve found out you have high cholesterol. Your doctor has prescribed a medication that can lower your cholesterol to where your doctor says it should be. But you may be wondering if taking VYTORIN is really necessary, especially if you are watching your diet and exercising.
Keep in mind that left untreated, high levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol can put you at risk for heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. Even though you’re making better food choices and exercising, your cholesterol may still be too high. Adding medication can be an important way to take charge of your cholesterol. Many people are not able to lower high cholesterol through diet alone.
The fact is, lowering bad (LDL) cholesterol can be quite challenging. That’s because cholesterol comes from 2 sources, not just one. You may already know that cholesterol comes from the animal-based and fatty foods you eat, such as meat, eggs, and cheese. But cholesterol—the majority, in fact—is also produced naturally in your body based on your family history—which means your mom, your dad, even your grandma or grandpa can pass down high cholesterol.
The good news is, you can treat both sources of cholesterol with a single medicine that can significantly lower your bad (LDL) cholesterol. VYTORIN is the only product that helps block the absorption of cholesterol from food and reduces the cholesterol that your body makes.
VYTORIN contains two cholesterol medicines, Zetia (ezetimibe) and Zocor (simvastatin), in a single tablet. VYTORIN has not been shown to reduce heart attacks or strokes more than Zocor alone. Taking 1 tablet daily has been proven to lower bad cholesterol 45%–60% (average effect depending on dose).
- limit TV watching
- take the dog for longer walks
- use the stairs instead of the elevator
- walk around the building at lunchtime
Here’s more information about diet, exercise, and medication
Learn more about the 2 sources of cholesterol
Request more information about VYTORIN
Important Risk Information About VYTORIN:
VYTORIN is a prescription tablet and isn’t right for everyone, including women who are nursing or pregnant or who may become pregnant, and anyone with liver problems.
Unexplained muscle pain or weakness could be a sign of a rare but serious side effect and should be reported to your doctor right away. VYTORIN may interact with other medicines or certain foods, increasing your risk of getting this serious side effect. So, tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking.
Your doctor may do simple blood tests before and during treatment with VYTORIN to check for liver problems. Side effects included headache, muscle pain, and diarrhea.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please read the Patient Product Information and discuss it with your doctor. Also available is the physician Prescribing Information.
