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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Zetia And Simvastatin Be Taken Together?

I take Zetia and Simvastatin. When I was in the hospital for knee surgery, one of the doctors mentioned that taking both was overkill. He also said I should only take simvastatin. I have researched both Medications and it seems that these two types of medications do the same thing.
Tue, 3 Apr 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Avoid taking these two medications together. Although when used along each of these medications is effective in lowering the high blood cholesterol levels. However, if Zetia is taken along with Simvastatin it can increase the risk of side effects such as myopathy (muscle injury) and liver damage.

In its severe form myopathy can result in rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle protein) which can cause kidney damage and even death. You may need an alternate effective medication to reduce your high blood cholesterol or dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.


Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
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Can Zetia And Simvastatin Be Taken Together?

Hello, Avoid taking these two medications together. Although when used along each of these medications is effective in lowering the high blood cholesterol levels. However, if Zetia is taken along with Simvastatin it can increase the risk of side effects such as myopathy (muscle injury) and liver damage. In its severe form myopathy can result in rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle protein) which can cause kidney damage and even death. You may need an alternate effective medication to reduce your high blood cholesterol or dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali