skip to main content
CDHB

Ezetimibe and simvastatin

eh-zet-ih-mibe and sim-va-sta-tin

What does it do?

Ezetimibe and simvastatin is used to lower cholesterol. This reduces your chance of having a heart attack, stroke and other related problems.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take ezetimibe and simvastatin regularly as directed with a glass of water, usually at bedtime. You can take it with or without food.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Symptoms of a serious muscle problem such as: ongoing muscle weakness or pain, dark urine

Tell your doctor immediately

Muscle weakness or pain

Very rarely, this can be serious – check with your doctor

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • Grapefruit, grapefruit juice or sour/Seville oranges may react with ezetimibe and simvastatin. Discuss with your pharmacist.

This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

Web links for this sheet in different formats

Click on buttons to copy web addresses for this leaflet:

If your browser does not automatically copy these links use its copy command instead.

About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed