Vytorin contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication.

Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in serum transaminases.

Pregnancy and lactation. 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 hypercholesterolemia.

Moreover, cholesterol and other products of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway are essential components for fetal development, including synthesis of steroids and cell membranes. Because of the ability of inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase such as simvastatin to decrease the synthesis of cholesterol and possibly other products of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, Ezetimibe/Simvastatin (Vytorin) is contraindicated during pregnancy and in nursing mothers. Ezetimibe/Simvastatin (Vytorin) should be administered to women of childbearing age only when such patients are highly unlikely to conceive.

If the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, Ezetimibe/Simvastatin (Vytorin) should be discontinued immediately and the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.