Drug Name

Zetia (Ezetimibe)

Drug Uses

Zetia treats high blood cholesterol along with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. It is also used to treat high blood sitosterol and campesterol along with diet therapy.

How to use

Use Zetia as directed by your doctor.

• Take Zetia by mouth with or without food.
• Taking Zetia at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• If you also take a bile acid sequestrant (eg, cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol), do not take it within 4 hours before or 2 hours after taking Zetia . Check with your doctor if you have questions.
• Continue to use Zetia even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Zetia is an antihyperlipidemic agent. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol or other sterols that your body absorbs from your diet.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Zetia , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Zetia at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zetia out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Zetia if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zetia;
• you have moderate to severe liver problems.

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• For best results, Zetia should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight.
• If you experience unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, contact your doctor.
• Lab tests, including liver function, and cholesterol levels, may be performed while you use Zetia . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Zetia should not be used in children younger than 10 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zetia while you are pregnant. It is not known if Zetia is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Zetia, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• diarrhea; dizziness; headache; joint pain; sinus inflammation; sore throat; stomach pain; tiredness.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dark urine; unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

More Information

Zetia is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people