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Home > Drug Category > Cholesterol Medications > Zetia and Equivalent

Zetia Information

Zetia (Ezetimibe) is used to reduce elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or bad cholesterol, in the blood. It is used for individuals with primary hyperlipidemia (too much fat in the blood), including those with an inherited disorder that causes high levels of bad cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia). It is typically used with dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes with cholesterol-lowering medications called statins. It is usually prescribed after statins and lifestyle changes have failed to reduce cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood that can block your blood vessels if levels become too high. This blockage can make a person more likely to have heart problems or a stroke.

Zetia is also used to treat a rare genetic condition called homozygous sitosterolemia (or phytosterolemia). This inherited disorder prevents the body from correctly processing and excreting plant sterols (like sitosterol) that we absorb from food. These plant fats build up in the blood and tissues, potentially leading to premature cardiovascular diseases, sometimes starting in childhood.

Ezetimibe belongs to a class of drugs known as selective cholesterol-absorption inhibitors. Unlike statins, which work primarily in the liver to block cholesterol production, ezetimibe works in the small intestine. It selectively blocks the absorption of cholesterol and related plant sterols into the blood (both dietary and biliary) by targeting a key transport protein on the brush border of the intestinal wall. This results in a reduction in the delivery of cholesterol from the intestine to the liver, which then, in a cascade effect, prompts the liver to clear more cholesterol from the blood. This effectively reduces LDL-C by preventing a large chunk of cholesterol from ever entering the body's blood circulation.

Zetia Side Effects

Like any other medication, ezetimibe can cause a range of side effects, some of which are more common and others that are serious but rare. Some common side effects of this medication include joint pain, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, throat and sinus infection, and lethargy. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Blood clotting problems with symptoms like unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums;
• Depression;
• Gallbladder problems such as sudden, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting;
• Increased blood pressure;
• Liver damage with symptoms such as yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain, severe fatigue, pale stools;
• Pancreatitis with symptoms like abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen;
• Persistent fever, severe rash, swollen lymph glands, and other flu-like symptoms;
• Persistent muscle pain, aches, or weakness, with brown urine

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Zetia Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ezetimibe, other ingredients in Zetia, or any other lipid-lowering medications. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Gallbladder problems;
• Liver disease;
• Muscle problems;
• Pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas)

It’s essential to have regular check-ups with your doctor and blood tests while taking this medication, especially when it's being used with other medicines such as statins. This is due to the potential adverse effects of this combined therapy on the liver. This medication should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless the benefits outweigh the risks, as determined by your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Ezetimibe is not recommended for children less than 10 years of age. Its safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 10 years.

Ezetimibe is generally known for having a relatively low risk of serious interactions with drugs that are metabolized in the liver. However, it may still interact with some medications such as bile acid sequestrants and fibrates. Therefore, it is imperative to inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal pills, that you are taking before using Zetia to prevent potential drug interactions. This medication is available as a tablet and should be taken orally with or without food, preferably at the same time every day. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you depending on your condition. If you are using Zetia along with other medications, specifically cholestyramine (bile acid sequestrant), take it at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking the bile acid sequestrant. Do not use more than the prescribed dose. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Zetia?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Zetia.