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VYTORIN
ezetimibe and simvastatin · Tablet
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Decreased Cholesterol Absorption [PE] | PE | 3 members — no class page |
| Dietary Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor [EPC] | EPC | 3 members — no class page |
| HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor [EPC] | EPC | All 33 members |
| Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors [MoA] | MoA | All 33 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 021687-001 | VYTORIN | TABLET | EZETIMIBE; SIMVASTATIN | Prescription | AB | RLD | |
| 021687-002 | VYTORIN | TABLET | EZETIMIBE; SIMVASTATIN | Prescription | AB | RLD | |
| 021687-003 | VYTORIN | TABLET | EZETIMIBE; SIMVASTATIN | Prescription | AB | RLD | |
| 021687-004 | VYTORIN | TABLET | EZETIMIBE; SIMVASTATIN | Prescription | AB | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 66 | Labeling | Approved | March 28, 2024 | Standard |
| Supplement | 65 | Labeling | Approved | February 8, 2024 | Standard |
| Supplement | 64 | Labeling | Approved | February 8, 2024 | Standard |
| Supplement | 61 | Labeling | Approved | February 8, 2024 | Standard |
| Supplement | 63 | Labeling | Approved | September 25, 2020 | 901 Required |
| Supplement | 62 | Labeling | Approved | October 4, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 52 | Labeling | Approved | April 2, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 60 | Labeling | Approved | February 28, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 57 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 19, 2017 | Standard |
| Supplement | 53 | Labeling | Approved | February 2, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 51 | Labeling | Approved | September 30, 2014 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 50 | Labeling | Approved | February 27, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 48 | Labeling | Approved | October 25, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 47 | Labeling | Approved | October 31, 2012 | 901 Required |
| Supplement | 46 | Labeling | Approved | October 31, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 44 | Labeling | Approved | February 28, 2012 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 39 | Efficacy | Approved | January 24, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 42 | Labeling | Approved | December 1, 2011 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 41 | Labeling | Approved | October 6, 2011 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 40 | Labeling | Approved | June 8, 2011 | 901 Required |
| Supplement | 33 | Labeling | Approved | June 8, 2011 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 37 | Labeling | Approved | December 22, 2010 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 36 | Labeling | Approved | April 22, 2010 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 34 | Labeling | Approved | March 10, 2010 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 32 | Labeling | Approved | November 6, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 30 | Labeling | Approved | January 30, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 29 | Labeling | Approved | January 8, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 25 | Labeling | Approved | June 13, 2008 | Standard |
| Supplement | 23 | Efficacy | Approved | June 13, 2008 | Priority |
| Supplement | 22 | Labeling | Approved | February 8, 2008 | Standard |
| Supplement | 21 | Labeling | Approved | December 12, 2007 | Standard |
| Supplement | 19 | Labeling | Approved | May 16, 2007 | Standard |
| Supplement | 16 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 27, 2006 | N/A |
| Supplement | 10 | Labeling | Approved | October 24, 2006 | Standard |
| Supplement | 11 | Efficacy | Approved | October 3, 2006 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 15 | Labeling | Approved | July 3, 2006 | Standard |
| Supplement | 13 | Labeling | Approved | March 16, 2006 | Standard |
| Supplement | 6 | Efficacy | Approved | March 16, 2006 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 9 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 9, 2005 | Standard |
| Supplement | 4 | Labeling | Approved | October 19, 2005 | Standard |
| Supplement | 3 | Labeling | Approved | June 3, 2005 | Standard |
| Supplement | 2 | Labeling | Approved | March 7, 2005 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 16, 2005 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 4 - New Combination | Approved | July 23, 2004 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · April 1, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · April 1, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · February 9, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · February 9, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · February 9, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · February 9, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · February 9, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · February 9, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · February 9, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · September 29, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · September 28, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · October 15, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · October 9, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · April 4, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · April 2, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · March 1, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · March 1, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · May 17, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · February 3, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · February 3, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · October 14, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · March 4, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · February 28, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · October 31, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · October 28, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · November 6, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · November 6, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · November 2, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · November 2, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · June 6, 2012
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260121). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingIndications and Usage ( 1 ) 2/2024 Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.5 ) 2/2024 Contraindications, Pregnancy and Lactation ( 4 ) Removed 2/2024 Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 ) 2/2024
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE VYTORIN VYTORIN ® is a combination of simvastatin and ezetimibe indicated: As an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): In adults with primary hyperlipidemia. In adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). As an adjunct to other LDL-C-lowering therapies to reduce elevated LDL-C in adults with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). Simvastatin Simvastatin, when used as a component of VYTORIN, is indicated to reduce the risk of total mortality by reducing risk of coronary heart disease death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke, and the need for coronary and non-coronary revascularization procedures in adults with established coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and/or diabetes, who are at high risk of coronary heart disease events. VYTORIN is a combination of ezetimibe, a dietary cholesterol absorption inhibitor, and simvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) indicated: ( 1 ) As an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): In adults with primary hyperlipidemia. In adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). As an adjunct to other LDL-C lowering therapies to reduce LDL-C in adults with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). Simvastatin Simvastatin, when used as a component of VYTORIN, is indicated to reduce the risk of total mortality by reducing risk of coronary heart disease death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke, and the need for coronary and non-coronary revascularization procedures in adults with established coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and/or diabetes, who are at high risk of coronary heart disease events.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Important Dosage and Administration Information: ( 2.1 ) Take VYTORIN orally once daily in the evening with or without food. Maximum recommended dosage is VYTORIN 10/40 mg once daily. VYTORIN 10/80 mg daily dosage is restricted to patients who have been taking VYTORIN 10/80 mg daily chronically (e.g., for 12 months or more) without evidence of muscle toxicity. For patients that require a high-intensity statin or are unable to achieve their LDL-C goal receiving VYTORIN 10/40 mg daily, prescribe alternative LDL-C-lowering treatment. If as dose is missed, take the missed dose as soon as possible. Do not double the next dose. Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 2 weeks after initiating VYTORIN, and adjust the dosage if necessary. Adults: Recommended dosage range of 10/10 mg to 10/40 mg once daily. ( 2.2 ) See full prescribing information for VYTORIN dosage modifications due to drug interactions. ( 2.3 ) Patients with Renal Impairment: Doses exceeding 10/20 mg should be used with caution and close monitoring in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Information Take VYTORIN orally once daily in the evening with or without food. The maximum recommended dosage is VYTORIN 10/40 mg once daily. The VYTORIN 10/80 mg daily dosage is restricted to adult patients who have been taking VYTORIN 10/80 mg daily chronically (e.g., for 12 months or more) without evidence of muscle toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . For patients that require a high-intensity statin or are unable to achieve their LDL-C goal receiving VYTORIN 10/40 mg daily, prescribe alternative LDL-C-lowering treatment. If as dose is missed, take the missed dose as soon as possible. Do not double the next dose. Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, as early as 4 weeks after initiating VYTORIN, and adjust the dosage if necessary. 2.2 Recommended Dosage in Adult Patients The recommended dosage range of VYTORIN 10/10 mg to 10/40 mg once a day. 2.3 Recommended Dosage in Pediatric Patients 10 Years of Age and Older with HeFH The recommended dosage range of VYTORIN 10/10 mg to 10/40 mg once a day. 2.4 Recommended Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment Renal impairment is a risk factor for statin-associated myopathy. Doses of VYTORIN exceeding 10/20 mg should be used with caution and close monitoring in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . There are no dosage adjustment recommendations for patients with mild renal impairment. 2.5 Dosage Modifications Due to Drug Interactions Concomitant use of VYTORIN with the following drugs requires dosage modification of VYTORIN [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Patients taking Lomitapide Reduce the dosage of VYTORIN by 50%. Do not exceed VYTORIN 10/20 mg once daily (or 10/40 mg once daily for patients who have previously taken VYTORIN 10/80 mg daily chronically while taking lomitapide) [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . Patients taking Verapamil, Diltiazem, or Dronedarone Do not exceed VYTORIN 10/10 mg once daily. Patients taking Amiodarone, Amlodipine, or Ranolazine Do not exceed VYTORIN 10/20 mg once daily. Patients taking Bile Acid Sequestrants In patients taking a bile acid sequestrant, administer VYTORIN at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after the bile acid sequestrant.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS VYTORIN tablets: 10/10, (ezetimibe 10 mg and simvastatin 10 mg tablets) are white to off-white capsule-shaped and debossed with “311” on one side. 10/20, (ezetimibe 10 mg and simvastatin 20 mg tablets) are white to off-white capsule-shaped and debossed with “312” on one side. 10/40, (ezetimibe 10 mg and simvastatin 40 mg tablets) are white to off-white capsule-shaped and debossed with “313” on one side. 10/80, (ezetimibe 10 mg and simvastatin 80 mg tablets) are white to off-white capsule-shaped and debossed with “315” on one side. Tablets (ezetimibe mg/simvastatin mg): 10/10, 10/20, 10/40, 10/80 ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS VYTORIN is contraindicated in the following conditions: Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (select azole anti-fungals, macrolide antibiotics, anti-viral medications, and nefazodone) [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Concomitant use of cyclosporine, danazol, or danazol [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Hypersensitivity to simvastatin, ezetimibe, or any excipients in VYTORIN. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, have been reported [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (select azole anti-fungals, macrolide antibiotics, anti-viral medications and nefazodone). ( 4 ) Concomitant use of cyclosporine, danazol or gemfibrozil. ( 4 ) Acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis. ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to simvastatin, ezetimibe or any excipient of VYTORIN. ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis: Risk factors include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use with certain other drugs, and higher VYTORIN dosage. Chinese patients may be at higher risk for myopathy. Discontinue VYTORIN if markedly elevated CK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Temporarily discontinue VYTORIN in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Inform patients of the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when starting or increasing VYTORIN dosage. Instruct patients to promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. ( 5.1 ) Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy (IMNM): Rare reports of IMNM, an autoimmune myopathy, have been reported. Discontinue VYTORIN if IMNM is suspected. ( 5.2 ) Hepatic Dysfunction: Increases in serum transaminases have occurred, some persistent. Rare reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure have occurred. Consider testing liver enzyme before initiating therapy and as clinically indicated thereafter. If serious hepatic injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs, promptly discontinue VYTORIN. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis VYTORIN may cause myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Acute kidney injury secondary to myoglobinuria and rare fatalities have occurred as a result of rhabdomyolysis in patients treated with statins, including VYTORIN. In clinical trials of 24,747 simvastatin-treated patients with a median follow-up of 4 years, the incidence of myopathy, defined as unexplained muscle weakness, pain, or tenderness accompanied by creatinine kinase (CK) increases greater than ten times the upper limit of normal (10 X ULN), were approximately 0.03%, 0.08%, and 0.61% in patients treated with simvastatin 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg daily, respectively. In another clinical trial of 12,064 simvastatin-treated patients (with a history of myocardial infarction) with a mean follow-up of 6.7 years, the incidences of myopathy in patients taking simvastatin 20 mg and 80 mg daily were approximately 0.02% and 0.9%, respectively. The incidences of rhabdomyolysis (defined as myopathy with a CK >40 X ULN) in patients taking simvastatin 20 mg and 80 mg daily were approximately 0% and 0.4%, respectively [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . In the Trial of Heart and Renal Protection (SHARP), 9270 patients with chronic kidney disease were allocated to receive VYTORIN 10/20 mg daily (n=4650) or placebo (n=4620). During a median follow-up period of 4.9 years, the incidence of myopathy (defined as unexplained muscle weakness or pain with a serum creatine kinase [CK] >10 times upper limit of normal [ULN]) was 0.2% for VYTORIN and 0.1% for placebo: the incidence of rhabdomyolysis (defined as myopathy with a CK > 40 times ULN) was 0.09% for VYTORIN and 0.02% for placebo. In postmarketing experience with ezetimibe, cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported. Most patients who developed rhabdomyolysis were taking a statin prior to initiating ezetimibe. However, rhabdomyolysis has been reported with ezetimibe monotherapy and with the addition of ezetimibe to agents known to be associated with increased risk of rhabdomyolysis, such as fibric acid derivatives. VYTORIN and a fenofibrate, if taking concomitantly, should both be immediately discontinued if myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Risk Factors for Myopathy Risk factors for myopathy include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use with certain other drugs (including other lipid-lowering therapies), and higher VYTORIN dosage; Chinese patients on VYTORIN may be at higher risk for myopathy [see Contraindications (4) , Drug Interactions (7.1) , and Use in Specific Populations (8.8) ] . The risk of myopathy is increased by elevated plasma levels of simvastatin a …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Hepatic Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Increases in HbA1c and Fasting Serum Glucose Levels [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Common (incidence ≥2% and greater than placebo) adverse reactions in clinical trials: headache, increased ALT, myalgia, upper respiratory tract infection, and diarrhea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Organon LLC, a subsidiary of Organon & Co., at 1-844-674-3200 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. VYTORIN In the VYTORIN (ezetimibe and simvastatin) placebo-controlled clinical trials database of 1420 patients (age range 20-83 years, 52% female, 87% White, 3% Black or African American, 3% Asians, 5% other races identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity) with a median treatment duration of 27 weeks, 5% of patients on VYTORIN and 2.2% of patients on placebo discontinued due to adverse reactions. The most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥2% and greater than placebo) in controlled clinical trials were: headache (5.8%), increased ALT (3.7%), myalgia (3.6%), upper respiratory tract infection (3.6%), and diarrhea (2.8%). The most common adverse reactions in the group treated with VYTORIN that led to treatment discontinuation and occurred at a rate greater than placebo were: increased ALT (0.9%), myalgia (0.6%), increased AST (0.4%), and back pain (0.4%). VYTORIN has been evaluated for safety in more than 10,189 patients in clinical trials. Table 1 summarizes the frequency of clinical adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients treated with VYTORIN (n=1420) and at an incidence greater than placebo from four placebo-controlled trials. Table 1 Includes two placebo-controlled combination studies in which the active ingredients equivalent to VYTORIN were coadministered and two placebo-controlled studies in which VYTORIN was administered. : Adverse Reactions Reported ≥2% of Patients Treated with VYTORIN at an Incidence Greater than Placebo Regardless of Causality % Placebo N = 371 % Ezetimibe 10 mg N = 302 % Simvastatin All doses. N = 1234 % VYTORIN N = 1420 Headache 5.4 6.0 5.9 5.8 Upper respiratory tract infection 2.7 5.0 5.0 3.6 Myalgia 2.4 2.3 2.6 3.6 Diarrhea 2.2 5.0 3.7 2.8 Pain in extremity 1.3 3.0 2.0 2.3 Influenza 0.8 1.0 1.9 2.3 Study of Heart and Renal Protection In SHARP , 9270 patients were allocated to VYTORIN 10/20 mg daily (n=4650) or placebo (n=4620) for a median follow-up period of 4.9 years. The proportion of patients who permanently discontinued trial treatment as a result of either an adverse event or abnormal safety blood result was 10.4% vs. 9.8% among patients allocated to VYTORIN and placebo, respectively. Comparing those allocated to VYTORIN vs. placebo, the incidence of myopathy (defined as unexplained muscle weakness or pain with a serum CK >10 times ULN) was 0.2% vs. 0.1% and the incidence of rhabdomyolysis (defined as myopathy with a CK >40 times ULN) was 0.09% vs. 0.02%, respectively. Consecutive elevations of transaminases (>3 X ULN) occurred in 0.7% vs. 0.6%, respectively. Patients were asked about the occurrence of unexplained muscle pain or weakness at each trial visit: 21.5% vs. 20.9% patients ever reported muscle symptoms in the VYTORIN and placebo groups, respectively. Cancer was diagnosed during the trial in 9.4% vs. 9.5% of patients assigned to VYTORIN and placebo, respectively. Ezetimibe Other adverse reactions reported with ezetimibe in placebo-control …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS VYTORIN See full prescribing information for details regarding concomitant use of VYTORIN with other drugs or grapefruit juice that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. ( 2.3 , 7.1 ) Cholestyramine: Combination decreases exposure of ezetimibe. ( 2.3 , 7.2 ) Coumarin Anticoagulants: Obtain INR before VYTORIN initiation and monitor INR during VYTORIN dosage initiation or adjustment. ( 7.3 ) Digoxin : During VYTORIN initiation, monitor digoxin levels. ( 7.3 ) Fenofibrates: Combination increases exposure of ezetimibe. If cholelithiasis is suspected in a patient receiving ezetimibe and a fenofibrate, gallbladder studies are indicated and alternative lipid-lowering therapy should be considered. ( 7.3 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Drug Interactions that Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with VYTORIN VYTORIN is a substrate of CYP3A4 and of the transport protein OATP1B1. VYTORIN plasma levels can be significantly increased with concomitant administration of inhibitors of CYP3A4 and OATP1B1. Table 2 includes a list of drugs that increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when used concomitantly with VYTORIN and instructions for preventing or managing them [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Table 2: Drug Interactions that Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with VYTORIN Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors Clinical Impact: Simvastatin is a substrate of CYP3A4. Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with VYTORIN increases simvastatin exposure and increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, particularly with higher VYTORIN dosages. Intervention: Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with VYTORIN is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] . If treatment with a CYP3A4 inhibitor is unavoidable, suspend VYTORIN during the course of strong CYP3A4 inhibitor treatment. Examples: Select azole anti-fungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole), select macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin and clarithromycin, telithromycin), select HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir, ritonavir, and darunavir/ritonavir), select HCV protease inhibitors (e.g., boceprevir and telaprevir), cobicistat-containing products, and nefazodone. Cyclosporine, Danazol, or Gemfibrozil Clinical Impact: The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased with concomitant use of cyclosporine, danazol, or gemfibrozil with VYTORIN. Gemfibrozil may cause myopathy when given alone. Intervention: Concomitant use of cyclosporine, danazol, or gemfibrozil with VYTORIN is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] . Amiodarone, Dronedarone, Ranolazine, or Calcium Channel Blockers Clinical Impact: The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased by concomitant use of amiodarone, dronedarone, ranolazine, or calcium channel blockers with VYTORIN. Intervention: For patients taking verapamil, diltiazem, or dronedarone, do not exceed VYTORIN 10/10 mg daily. For patients taking amiodarone, amlodipine, or ranolazine, do not exceed VYTORIN 10/20 mg daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Lomitapide Clinical Impact: Simvastatin exposure is approximately doubled with concomitant use of lomitapide and the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased. Intervention: Reduce the dose of VYTORIN by 50% if initiating lomitapide. Do not exceed VYTORIN 10/20 mg daily (or VYTORIN 10/40 mg daily for patients who have previously taken VYTORIN 10/80 mg daily chronically) while taking lomitapide [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.3) ] . Daptomycin Clinical Impact: Cases of rhabdomyolysis have been reported with simvastatin administered with daptomycin. Both VYTORIN and daptomycin can cause myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when given alone and the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis may be increased by coadministration. Intervention: If treatment with daptomycin is required, consider temporarily suspending VYTORIN during the course of daptomycin treatment. Niacin C …
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm ( 8.1 ) Lactation: Breastfeeding not recommended during treatment with VYTORIN. ( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy VYTORIN Risk Summary Discontinue VYTORIN when pregnancy is recognized. Alternatively, consider the ongoing therapeutic needs of the individual patient. VYTORIN decreases synthesis of cholesterol and possibly other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol; therefore, VYTORIN may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant patients based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] . In addition, treatment of hyperlipidemia is not generally necessary during pregnancy. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process and the discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on the outcome of long-term therapy of primary hyperlipidemia for most patients. Available data from case series and prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies over decades of use with statins in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major congenital malformations. Published data from prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies with VYTORIN use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine if there is a drug-associated risk of miscarriage (see Data ) . In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed in pregnant rats or rabbits orally administered simvastatin during the period of organogenesis at doses that resulted in 2.5 and 2 times, respectively, the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dosage of 80 mg/day, based on body surface area (mg/m 2 ). In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed in pregnant rats and rabbits orally administered ezetimibe during the period of organogenesis at doses that resulted in up to 10 and 150 times, respectively, the human exposure at the MRHD, based on AUC (see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data Ezetimibe There are insufficient data on ezetimibe use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Simvastatin A Medicaid cohort linkage trial of 1152 statin-exposed pregnant women compared to 886,996 controls did not find a significant teratogenic effect from maternal use of statins in the first trimester of pregnancy, after adjusting for potential confounders – including maternal age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and alcohol and tobacco use – using propensity score-based methods. The relative risk of congenital malformations between the group with statin use and the group with no statin use in the first trimester was 1.07 (95% confidence interval 0.85 to 1.37) after controlling for confounders, particularly pre-existing diabetes mellitus. There were also no statistically significant increases in any of the organ-specific malformations assessed after accounting for confounders. In the majority of pregnancies, statin treatment was initiated prior to pregnancy and was discontinued at some point in the first trimester when pregnancy was identified. Trial limitations include reliance on physician coding to define the presence of a malformation, lack of control for certain confounders such as body mass index, use of prescription dispensing as verification for the use of a statin, and lack of information on non-live births. Animal Data Ezetimibe In oral (gavage) embryo-fetal development studies of ezetimibe conducted in rats (gestation days 6-15) and rabbits (gestation days 7-19), there was no evidence of maternal toxicity or embryolethality at any dose tested (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg/day) at exposure equivalent to 10 to 150 …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action VYTORIN Plasma cholesterol is derived from intestinal absorption and endogenous synthesis. VYTORIN contains ezetimibe and simvastatin, two lipid-lowering compounds with complementary mechanisms of action. Ezetimibe Ezetimibe reduces blood cholesterol by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol by the small intestine. The molecular target of ezetimibe has been shown to be the sterol transporter, Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1), which is involved in the intestinal uptake of cholesterol and phytosterols. Ezetimibe localizes at the brush border of the small intestine and inhibits the absorption of cholesterol, leading to a decrease in the delivery of intestinal cholesterol to the liver. This causes a reduction of hepatic cholesterol stores and an increase in clearance of cholesterol from the blood. Simvastatin Simvastatin is a prodrug and is hydrolyzed to its active β-hydroxyacid form, simvastatin acid, after administration. Simvastatin acid and its metabolites are inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme converts HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a precursor of cholesterol.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION VYTORIN contains ezetimibe, a dietary cholesterol absorption inhibitor, and simvastatin, an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor. The chemical name of ezetimibe is 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(R)-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(S)-hydroxypropyl]-4(S)-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-azetidinone. The empirical formula is C 24 H 21 F 2 NO 3 and its molecular weight is 409.4. Ezetimibe is a white, crystalline powder that is freely to very soluble in ethanol, methanol, and acetone and practically insoluble in water. Its structural formula is: Simvastatin, an inactive lactone, is hydrolyzed to the corresponding β-hydroxyacid form, which is an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase. Simvastatin is butanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-,1,2,3,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,7-dimethyl-8-[2-(tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-6-oxo-2 H -pyran-2-yl)-ethyl]-1-naphthalenyl ester, [1 S -[1α,3α,7β,8β(2 S *,4 S *),-8aβ]]. The empirical formula of simvastatin is C 25 H 38 O 5 and its molecular weight is 418.57. Simvastatin is a white to off-white, nonhygroscopic, crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water and freely soluble in chloroform, methanol and ethanol. Its structural formula is: VYTORIN is available for oral use as tablets containing 10 mg of ezetimibe, and 10 mg of simvastatin (VYTORIN 10/10), 20 mg of simvastatin (VYTORIN 10/20), 40 mg of simvastatin (VYTORIN 10/40), or 80 mg of simvastatin (VYTORIN 10/80). Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: butylated hydroxyanisole NF, citric acid monohydrate USP, croscarmellose sodium NF, hypromellose USP, lactose monohydrate NF, magnesium stearate NF, microcrystalline cellulose NF, and propyl gallate NF. Chemical Structure Chemical Structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE No specific antidotes for VYTORIN are known. In the event of an overdose with VYTORIN, consider contacting the Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for overdosage management recommendations.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING VYTORIN tablets are supplied as follows: Strength How Supplied NDC Tablet Description 10/10 mg unit of use bottles of 30 78206-174-01 white to off-white capsule-shaped tablets with code “311” on one side unit of use bottles of 90 78206-174-02 10/20 mg unit of use bottles of 30 78206-175-01 white to off-white capsule-shaped tablets with code “312” on one side unit of use bottles of 90 78206-175-02 10/40 mg unit of use bottles of 30 78206-176-01 white to off-white capsule-shaped tablets with code “313” on one side unit of use bottles of 90 78206-176-02 10/80 mg unit of use bottles of 30 78206-177-01 white to off-white capsule-shaped tablets with code “315” on one side unit of use bottles of 90 78206-177-02 Storage Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Keep container tightly closed.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: SIMVASTATIN. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78206-174-01 | 78206-174 | Organon LLC | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (78206-174-01) | June 1, 2021 |
| 78206-174-02 | 78206-174 | Organon LLC | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (78206-174-02) | June 1, 2021 |
| 78206-175-01 | 78206-175 | Organon LLC | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (78206-175-01) | June 1, 2021 |
| 78206-175-02 | 78206-175 | Organon LLC | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (78206-175-02) | June 1, 2021 |
| 78206-176-01 | 78206-176 | Organon LLC | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (78206-176-01) | June 1, 2021 |
| 78206-176-02 | 78206-176 | Organon LLC | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (78206-176-02) | June 1, 2021 |
| 78206-177-01 | 78206-177 | Organon LLC | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (78206-177-01) | June 1, 2021 |
| 78206-177-02 | 78206-177 | Organon LLC | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (78206-177-02) | June 1, 2021 |
| 78206-174 | 78206-174 | Organon LLC | — | June 1, 2021 |
| 78206-175 | 78206-175 | Organon LLC | — | June 1, 2021 |
| 78206-176 | 78206-176 | Organon LLC | — | June 1, 2021 |
| 78206-177 | 78206-177 | Organon LLC | — | June 1, 2021 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.