Zetia (Ezetimibe)

Uses

Zetia (Ezetimibe) is a tablet that decreases the amount of cholesterol that your body absorbs through the intestines. It is often use in combination with another cholesterol medication such as atorvastatin and is used to treat hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipoproteinemia.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

If you miss a dose

, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

Be sure to have regular check ups with your doctor while taking this medication. You will have your cholesterol levels checked. If you are on other cholesterol medications you may have your liver function tested.

Notify your doctor if you experience sudden pain, weakness or tenderness of the muscles. This is particularly important if you also have a fever and fatigue.

It is very important to follow a diet that is low in cholesterol and fat while taking this medication. Exercising regularly and avoiding smoking will also increase the effectiveness of this medicine. See our lifestyle tab for more information about diet and exercise.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Liver disease, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, yellowing of the skin or eyes, excessive fatigue, dark yellow or brown colored urine,

Other Side Effects

Diarrhea, dizziness, headache, stomach upset.

Adult Dose

Primary Hypercholesterolemia

Mixed Hyperlipidemia

10 mg by mouth once daily taken with fenofibrate.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia

10 mg by mouth once daily taken with simvastatin or atorvastatin.

Post Acute Coronary Syndrome

10 mg by mouth once daily taken with simvastatin 40 mg once daily.

Sources

1. Zetia (ezetimibe) [package insert]. Kenilworth, NJ: Schering Corporation; 2011.

2. Zetia (ezetimibe) [package insert]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck/Schering-Plough; 2013.

3. Zetia ® oral tablets, ezetimibe oral tablets[package insert]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp; 2013.

4. Baruch L, Agarwal S, Gupta B, et al: Effect on serum lipid levels of switching dose of ezetimibe from 10 to 5 mg. Am J Cardiol 2009; 103(11):1568-1571.

5. Baruch L, Gupta B, Lieberman-Blum S, et al: Ezetimibe 5 and 10 mg for lowering LDL-C: potential billion-dollar savings with improved tolerability. Am J Manag Care 2008; 14(10):637-641.

J Am Coll Cardiol

By: Evan Redmond, Pharm.D.