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• 2 Sources of Cholesterol
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  • 2 Sources of Cholesterol Quiz
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• About VYTORIN
• Questions to Ask Your Doctor
• Diet, Exercise, and VYTORIN
• Tools and Resources
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• Frequently Asked Questions
• To Report Side Effects,
     1-800-FDA-1088

• For People Taking VYTORIN
• For People Taking Lipitor or
     Crestor
• For People Taking Zocor
• Your Doctor Has Prescribed
     VYTORIN. Now What?

• Prescribing Information
• Patient Product Information

• Información sobre VYTORIN

• For Health Care Professionals

Now that you know cholesterol comes from 2 sources, food and family, you may still have some questions. No worry. Here are answers to some common questions about cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in your bloodstream. Although your body needs cholesterol to help build and maintain cells, too much cholesterol can build up on your artery walls.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is known as “bad cholesterol” because it can build up in the walls of your arteries and form a thick, hard plaque that clogs your arteries and blocks the flow of blood to your heart and brain. HDL refers to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called “good cholesterol” because it helps eliminate bad cholesterol from the body.

Having high LDL (bad) cholesterol can put you at risk for heart disease, heart attack, or stroke—especially if you have any of these additional risk factors:

• Low HDL cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Obesity
• High blood pressure

• Lack of physical activity
• Family history of heart disease
• High-fat/high-cholesterol diet
• Men aged 45 or older
• Women aged 55 or older

The first thing to do is have your cholesterol checked and to talk to your doctor to find out your LDL (bad) cholesterol goal. (Use the Goal Card to help you keep track.) Watching your diet and exercising can help, but if your cholesterol still is not low enough, your doctor may suggest adding a medication to your routine.

Yes. VYTORIN is proven to lower bad cholesterol 45%–60% (average effect depending on dose; 52% at the usual starting dose) when diet and exercise aren’t enough. It’s the only product to help block the absorption of cholesterol and reduce the cholesterol your body makes naturally. 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. You should still exercise and watch your diet while taking VYTORIN.

Are you concerned about your cholesterol, but don't know how or what to ask your doctor? Click here for a list of suggestions that may help you start a conversation at your next doctor's appointment.

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.