Rosuvastatin-Ezetimibe

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve tablets.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, race, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you are of Asian descent, your doctor may direct you to start with a lower dose because you may be more sensitive to its effects.

If you are taking a bile acid sequestrant (such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take this product at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after taking the bile acid sequestrant. These medications may bind to ezetimibe/rosuvastatin, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug.

Antacids containing aluminum and magnesium can reduce the absorption of this drug. If taking this type of antacid, take it at least 2 hours after this medication.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel sick.

It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this product.

Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to ezetimibe or rosuvastatin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with this product. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle problems.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

See also How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Other medications can affect the removal of rosuvastatin from your body, which may affect how rosuvastatin works. Examples include cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, certain drugs to treat hepatitis C (such as ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir), among others.

Do not take any red yeast rice products while you are taking ezetimibe/rosuvastatin because some red yeast rice products may also contain a statin called lovastatin. Taking ezetimibe/rosuvastatin and red yeast rice products together can increase your risk of serious muscle and liver problems.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels, liver function) should be done while you are taking this product. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Store in the original bottle at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Once the bottle is opened, this medication expires after 30 days. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.