ezetimibe and rosuvastatin

What is the most important information I should know about ezetimibe and rosuvastatin?

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What is ezetimibe and rosuvastatin?

Ezetimibe and rosuvastatin is a combination medicine that is used to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL).

Ezetimibe and rosuvastatin is used together with a low-fat diet and other treatments to lower cholesterol in adults.

Ezetimibe and rosuvastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ezetimibe and rosuvastatin?

• active liver disease; or
• cirrhosis.

Ezetimibe and rosuvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in adults 65 or older, in people of Asian descent, and in people who use certain other medicines or have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• unexplained weakness or muscle pain;
• a thyroid disorder;
• diabetes;
• liver or kidney disease;
• a habit of drinking more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day; or
• liver problems caused by alcohol.

How should I take ezetimibe and rosuvastatin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take this medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and blood tests.

Tell any doctor who treats you that you take this medicine, especially if you have a major illness, surgery, or medical emergency.

Keep using this medicine even if you feel well. You will need blood tests to determine if this medicine is lowering your cholesterol.

Throw away any tablets not used within 30 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. Do not use two doses within 12 hours.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking ezetimibe and rosuvastatin?

Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours after you take ezetimibe and rosuvastatin.

Grapefruit may interact with ezetimibe and rosuvastatin and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or this medicine will not be as effective.

What are the possible side effects of ezetimibe and rosuvastatin?

• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially if you also have fever);
• upper stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• severe weakness or tiredness;
• dark colored urine; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness;
• stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
• muscle or joint pain;
• pain in your hands, legs, or back;
• feeling weak or tired; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ezetimibe and rosuvastatin?

If you also take cholestyramine, colesevelam, or colestipol: Take your ezetimibe and rosuvastatin dose 2 hours before or 4 hours after you take the other medicine.

• colchicine, cyclosporine;
• antifungal medication --fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole;
• a blood thinner --warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;
• cancer medicine --darolutamide, regoragenib;
• other cholesterol medications --fenofibrate, fenofibric acid, gemfibrozil, niacin, nicotinic acid;
• hepatitis C medication that contains --dasabuvir, elbasvir, glecaprevir, grazoprevir, ledipasvir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, pibrentasvir, sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, or voxilaprevir; or
• HIV/AIDS medication --atazanavir, fosamprenavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, simeprevir, tipranavir.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect ezetimibe and rosuvastatin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ezetimibe and rosuvastatin.