* Generic Name: ezetimibe tablets
* Brand Name: Zetia
* What is ezetimibe (Zetia)?
* What are the possible side effects of ezetimibe (Zetia)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
ezetimibe (Zetia)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
ezetimibe (Zetia)?
* How should I take ezetimibe (Zetia)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Zetia)?
* What happens if I overdose (Zetia)?
* What should I avoid while taking ezetimibe (Zetia)?
* What other drugs will affect ezetimibe (Zetia)?
* Where can I get more information (Zetia)?
What is ezetimibe (Zetia)?
Ezetimibe reduces the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the
body.
Ezetimibe is used to treat high cholesterol. Ezetimibe is sometimes
given with other cholesterol-lowering medications.
Ezetimibe may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of ezetimibe (Zetia)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Some cholesterol medications can cause a condition that results in the
breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure.
Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain,
tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual
tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Side effects may be more likely in older adults.
Common side effects may include:
* muscle or joint pain;
* stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat;
* diarrhea; or
* pain in an arm or leg.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about ezetimibe (Zetia)?
Some cholesterol medications should not be taken at the same time. If
you take ezetimibe with another cholesterol medicine, follow your
doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
You should not use ezetimibe if you have moderate to severe liver
disease. You should not use ezetimibe with a "statin" cholesterol
medicine if you have active liver disease, or if you are pregnant or
breast-feeding a baby.
Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain,
tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual
tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Zetia Patient Information including How Should I Take
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ezetimibe
(Zetia)?
You should not use ezetimibe if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
* moderate to severe liver disease.
You should not use ezetimibe with a "statin" cholesterol medicine
(Zocor, Lipitor, Crestor, and others) if:
* you have active liver disease;
* you are pregnant; or
* you are breast-feeding a baby.
To make sure ezetimibe is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
* kidney disease; or
* a thyroid disorder.
Before you start taking ezetimibe, tell your doctor if you already take
a statin cholesterol medicine.
Some cholesterol medications can cause a condition that results in the
breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This
condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who
have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism
(underactive thyroid).
You should not take ezetimibe with a statin medication if you are
pregnant or breast-feeding.
It is not known whether ezetimibe alone will harm an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use
effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using
ezetimibe with a statin medication.
It is not known whether ezetimibe alone passes into breast milk or if
it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. You should not breast-feed if you take ezetimibe
with a statin medication.
How should I take ezetimibe (Zetia)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Ezetimibe is usually taken once daily. Take the medicine at the same
time each day.
You may take ezetimibe with or without food.
Ezetimibe may be taken at the same time with fenofibrate, or with a
statin medication such as atorvastatin, lovastatin,
simvastatin, pravastatin, or fluvastatin.
Some cholesterol medications should not be taken at the same time.
* If you also take cholestyramine, colestipol, or colesevelam: Wait
at least 4 hours after taking any of these medicines before you
take ezetimibe. You may also take ezetimibe 2 hours before taking
any of these other medicines.
* You should not take ezetimibe with gemfibrozil.
You may need frequent blood tests to check your liver function if you
take ezetimibe with a statin medicine.
It may take up to 2 weeks before your cholesterol levels improve. Keep
using your medication as directed. You will need frequent blood tests
to measure your cholesterol levels.
Ezetimibe is only part of a complete program of treatment that also
includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet,
medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Zetia Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol Levels Slideshow
Lowering Cholesterol:15 Tips for Avoiding Heart Disease
Lowering Cholesterol Slideshow Pictures
RxList
High Cholesterol Quiz
What happens if I miss a dose (Zetia)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Zetia)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking ezetimibe (Zetia)?
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Ezetimibe will
not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a
cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
What other drugs will affect ezetimibe (Zetia)?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
stop using, especially:
* cyclosporine; or
* a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ezetimibe,
including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
medication guide.
Where can I get more information (Zetia)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about ezetimibe.
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