Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
EZETIMIBE - ORAL
(eh-ZET-ih-mibe)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zetia
Uses
This medication is used either alone or with other cholesterol lowering drugs (e.g., HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or "statins"), along with a cholesterol-lowering diet, to help lower cholesterol in the blood. Reducing cholesterol helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. Ezetimibe works by reducing the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs from your diet.
How To Use
Take this medication by mouth usually once daily with or without food. If you are also taking a bile acid sequestrant (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam), take ezetimibe at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after the bile acid sequestrant. It may take up to 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel sick.
Side Effects
Dizziness, headache, diarrhea, back pain, throat inflammation, runny nose may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: chest pain, fatigue, stomach pain. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
This medication should not be used along with a statin agent if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: active liver disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease (moderate to severe), any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: fibrates (e.g., fenofibrate, gemfibrozil), cyclosporine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., cholesterol levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress. When ezetimibe is given with a statin agent, liver function tests should be performed to monitor for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. For best results, this medication should be used along with exercise and a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet. Consult your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage from 59 to 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
