Drug Notes

Atorvastatin/ezetimibe (By mouth)

Atorvastatin Calcium (a-tor-va-STAT-in KAL-see-um), Ezetimibe (e-ZET-i-mibe)

Lowers high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This medicine contains a cholesterol absorption inhibitor and a statin.

Brand Name(s):

Liptruzet

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or dissolve it.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
• Keep your medicine in the blister pack until you are ready to use it. Store an opened blister pack in a dry place and protect it from moisture and light. After you remove a tablet, slide the blister card back into the folded card.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how atorvastatin/ezetimibe woks. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
  • Boceprevir, cholestyramine, cimetidine, colchicine, cyclosporine, digoxin, fenofibrate, fenofibric acid, gemfibrozil, niacin, spironolactone, or telaprevir
  • Medicine to treat HIV/AIDS, medicine to treat an infection, birth control pills, or a blood thinner (such as warfarin)
• Do not drink more than 1.2 liters of grapefruit juice per day.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, low blood pressure, seizures, thyroid problems, muscle problems, or had a recent stroke. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Myopathy or rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage)
  • Liver problems
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you use this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine if you have major surgery, a major injury, or other serious health problems.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Unusual tiredness or a fever

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017