Type of medicine: antihyperlipidemic; cholesterol absorption inhibitor
Generic and brand names: ezetimibe, oral; Zetia
This medicine is taken by mouth to lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood. It is used when you cannot control your cholesterol levels by diet alone. It may be used by itself or with other medicines. This medicine helps reduce the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs. It does not help you lose weight.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less of it or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. This medicine will lower your cholesterol level only when you take it regularly. Continue to follow the diet or exercise program your healthcare provider prescribes.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach.
If your provider has also prescribed a statin drug, you can take this medicine at the same time. If you are also taking Colestid, Questran, or WelChol, take this medicine at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking the other medicine.
If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are taking just one dose daily, take the missed dose as soon as you remember that same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose or you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
While you are taking this medicine, report any unusual muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your healthcare provider right away, especially if you also have a fever or feel ill.
Your healthcare provider will want to see you regularly while you are taking this medicine. You will need blood tests to see if the medicine is working. You will also have liver function tests to see how the medicine may be affecting your liver. Keep all your appointments.
A low-fat diet and regular exercise are important to reduce cholesterol. Follow your healthcare provider's advice.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
Because alcohol may increase triglyceride levels, do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Chest pain; unusual muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever or vision changes; yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, constipation, rash, itching, headache, dizziness, tingling, runny nose, tiredness, sore throat, hoarseness, depression.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
