What is Liptruzet?
Liptruzet is a combination of the drugs atorvastatin (a statin) and ezetimibe (a cholesterin-lowering drug).Atorvastatin is a member of a class of drugs known as HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitors, or "statins."Liptruzet lowers the blood level of "bad" cholesterol such as apolipoprotein B (apo-B), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or non-high-density lipoproteins (non-HDL).Liptruzet can be used in conjunction with a low-fat diet and other treatments for adults with familial high cholesterol (a type of hypercholesterolemia that is inherited).Liptruzet is not proven to reduce your heart disease risk.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Liptruzet.
Warnings
Liptruzet should not be used if you are suffering from liver disease.Liptruzet should not be used if pregnant, or you may become pregnant. Use effective birth control.Liptruzet should not be used while breastfeeding.
Before you take this drug
Liptruzet should not be used if:
- Active liver disease
- Abnormal liver function tests
- If you are breastfeeding or pregnant,
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Liptruzet will be safe for you:
- A thyroid disorder
- A history of liver disease or kidney disease
- Alcohol-related liver disease;
- Gallstones or gallbladder diseases;
- Low blood pressure
- A history of stroke or blood clot, including "mini strokes" (TIA);
- Diabetes;
- An electrolyte imbalance is a low potassium or magnesium level in the blood.
- Untreated or uncontrolled seizures
- If you consume large quantities of alcohol
- If you are over 65,
Liptruzet is in FDA pregnancy category X. It can cause birth defects or harm to an unborn child. Liptruzet should not be used if you're pregnant. Use effective birth control. If you fall pregnant, stop using the medication and immediately tell your doctor.It is unknown if ezetimibe and atorvastatin pass into breast milk or if they could harm a baby who is nursing. Liptruzet should not be taken while breastfeeding.
Similar/related drugs
atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, ezetimibe, Crestor, and Zetia
How to take Liptruzet?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may change your dosage from time to time in order to get you the best results. Take this medication only as prescribed. Take the dose recommended and do not take more.Liptruzet tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved. Swallow the tablet whole.You may need to have frequent blood tests while taking this medication.Make sure that any doctor who treats you is aware of your Liptruzet use.Keep away from heat or moisture. When not in use, keep Liptruzet in the plastic or foil pouch.After opening the foil pouch, keep it away from sunlight in a place that is dry. After opening the foil pouch, throw away any tablets that have not been used within 30 days.Place the blister card in the plastic case each time you remove a tablet from the card.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Take the missed dose as soon you remember. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid grapefruit products and grapefruit juice while taking Liptruzet. They may cause unwanted side effects. Use grapefruit products sparingly while taking Liptruzet.Avoid foods high in cholesterol or fat. Liptruzet won't be as effective at lowering cholesterol if you don't follow a diet that lowers cholesterol.If you are also taking cholestyramine or colesevelam, take Liptruzet 2 hours before or 4 hours after you take these other medications.
Side effects of Liptruzet
If you experience any of the following signs of an allergic response to Liptruzet, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.In rare cases, atorvastatin may cause a condition resulting in the breakdown of skeletal muscles, causing kidney failure. If you experience unexplained weakness, muscle tenderness, or pain, call your doctor immediately, especially if there is a fever, unusual fatigue, or dark urine.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using Liptruzet immediately and contact your doctor.
- Loss of appetite, nausea, upper abdominal pain;
- Itching, unusual fatigue;
- Dark urine, clay-coloured stools, and jaundice
Liptruzet can cause a variety of side effects.
- Mild muscle pain
- Stomach pain, diarrhoea,
- Joint pain.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
This medicine can interact with many drugs. This list does not include all possible interactions. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications or if you will stop using them during your treatment with Liptruzet:
- Colchicine;
- Cyclosporine;
- Digoxin, digitalis;
- Imatinib;
- Isoniazid;
- Nefazodone;
- Niacin, vitamin b3;
- John's wort;
- An antibiotic—clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifampin, telithromycin;
- Antifungal medication: itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole;
- Birth control pills
- A blood thinner (warfarin or coumadin);
- Heart medication—nicardipine, quinidine;
- Hepatitis c medications: boceprevir, telaprevir;
- Hiv/aids medication: atazanavir, darunavir, delavirdine, efavirenz, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, saquinavir, and tipranavir;
- Other cholesterol edications such as fenofibrate (fenofibric acids), gemfibrozil, or other "statins" medicines
- Seizure medication: carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone,
- Tuberculosis medication: rifabutin, rifampin, and rifapentine.
Liptruzet can interact with many other drugs. Included are prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Provide a list to your healthcare provider.
