LDL (bad) Cholesterol
 
Important Risk Information About VYTORIN | Patient Product Information | Prescribing Information | For Health Care Professionals
VYTORIN treats the 2 sources of cholesterol
Know Your Goal
Before you know your goal, you should know your cholesterol numbers. And the only way to know your cholesterol numbers is for your doctor to do a blood test. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends that all adults aged 20 years and older have their cholesterol levels checked at least every 5 years.

Total cholesterol
Your total cholesterol is a measure that includes both the LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol in your blood. Your total cholesterol number represents the general risk of developing heart disease. However, your doctor may choose to focus on your LDL (bad) cholesterol because it is considered a better measure of risk than your total cholesterol is.

LDL (bad) cholesterol
The higher your LDL (bad) cholesterol number, the greater your risk of developing heart disease. That’s because too much LDL (bad) cholesterol in your bloodstream can build up in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease.

Take a look at the charts below. They will give you an idea of what your cholesterol levels mean.

Total Cholesterol Level
Category
Less than 200 mg/dL
Desirable
200-239 mg/dL
Borderline high
240 mg/dL and above
High
LDL Cholesterol Level
LDL Cholesterol Category
Less than 100 mg/dL
Optimal
100-129 mg/dL
Near optimal/above optimal
130-159 mg/dL
Borderline high
160-189 mg/dL
High
190 mg/dL and above
Very high
        Source: The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP).

What is my LDL goal?
Your doctor will determine your LDL (bad) cholesterol goal, based on your risk of developing heart disease. The higher your risk, the lower your LDL goal level should be. Find out from your doctor what your cholesterol numbers mean so you can work together to manage your cholesterol.

Ask your doctor if adding a cholesterol medicine like VYTORIN, to a healthy diet and exercise, can help you reach your LDL (bad) cholesterol goal.

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.
Cholesterol Goal Tracker—use this tool to track your numbers and stay motivated.
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.
20950092(1)-08/09-VYT
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