Zetia and/or Equivalents
| Drug | Related Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Zetia 10mg and/or Equivalents | Ezetimibe, Ezetrol, Jamp-Ezetimibe |
Zetia (ezetimibe)
Zetia Description
Ezetimibe, the active ingredient in Zetia helps to bring down cholesterol levels in your body. This acts by way of reducing cholesterol absorption in your intestine. The drug can either be taken alone in cases where other medications for lowering cholesterol have failed or can be combined with statins in cases where statins alone have not demonstrated success. Ezetimibe in Zetia functions by stationing itself in your small intestine’s brush border where absorption of cholesterol is inhibited by it. Because of this effect, LDL levels come down and HDL levels increase. While statins that have been known to knock down cholesterol levels work with your liver, Zetia works with your digestive tract. You may have brought about a change in your lifestyle by introducing dietary changes and physical activities for reducing cholesterol levels. Zetia complements these changes and facilitates improvement of cholesterol.
Zetia is produced by Merck and helps to keep a check on your cholesterol levels along with following a healthy diet. The drug does not help you lose weight. Although Zetia helps to bring down cholesterol levels, two major and recent clinical studies showed that in certain individuals, thickness of the artery walls have worsened from taking the drug. As a result, many major cardiovascular events have occurred. Zetia should be stored at room temperature not exceeding 25 degree Celsius. It should be kept away from moisture and light. The drug should not be kept in the bathroom.
Conditions treated by Zetia
Zetia helps to decrease the amount of cholesterol and other sterols that body absorbs from diet. The medication is used to treat high cholesterol levels but it is extremely important for the patient to complement the intake of this drug with a low cholesterol and low fat diet. Along with other medications such as statin, Zetia is also used for treating high blood sitosterol as well as campesterol in the presence of diet therapy. Bringing down cholesterol levels lowers the chances of heart attacks and strokes.
It takes at least 2 weeks for this drug to act on your high cholesterol levels. Therefore, it is imperative you continue to take your medication for as long as your doctor prescribes. Zetia is one part of a holistic program to control cholesterol and the other critical determinants include weight control, exercise and diet patterns.
Zetia Dosage Information
a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations
Zetia is available as 10mg tablets and should be taken once every day before or after meals. Taking the drug at the same time every day helps. You should be aware of the fact that certain cholesterol medications should not be taken simultaneously. Do not combine Zetia with coleselevelam, colestipol and cholestyramine. At least a 4 hour period should be maintained between consumption of these drugs. Zetia is usually administered with fenofibrate (in patients having mixed hyperlipidemia) or with a statin (in patients having primary hyperlipidemia). If you are to be administered bile acid sequestrant, you should take Zetia at least 2 hours before or 4 hours later.
b.) Missing a Dose
When you have forgotten to take a dose of Zetia, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, do not take the skipped one. Avoid taking extra medicine to make up for the missed doses.
c.) Overdosing
You should get emergency medical attention if you think if you have been overdosed but there is no clinical evidence that support the occurrence of harmful effects from Zetia overdosing.
Zetia Warnings
Zetia should not be taken or should be discontinued if you are allergic to ezetimibe. Informing your doctor of all kinds of allergies you have is important. Patients with a liver disease should also stay away from Zetia. Certain other medical conditions such as thyroid disorder and kidney disease also necessitate Zetia dose adjustment. Special tests should be taken for individuals, who are on birth control pills or steroid medicines, before prescribing Zetia. In a few cases, cholesterol lowering drugs such as Zetia causes a condition where skeletal muscle tissue breaks down. This can probably lead to kidney failure. Taking it at the same time every day helps you keep track and does not let you skip a dose. Do not take large or small of amounts of the drug.
Zetia is either taken alone or with statins. Statins should not be taken by women who are planning to become pregnant or pregnant or nursing. In these cases, consult a doctor and get relevant tests done before the use of Zetia. Unexplained weakness or muscle pain can be a rare symptom but they are quite serious and you must report to your doctor when your experience them. Zetia will be effective only when you introduce healthy eating habits. Hence, avoid the usage of foods that are rich in cholesterol or fats.
Zetia Side Effects
An allergic reaction to Zetia can result in swelling on face, tongue, throat and lip or difficulty in breathing or hives. Serious side effects can include peeling skin and red skin rashes, sore throat, headache, fever, pancreatitis including stinging pain in upper stomach gradually moving to your back, rapid heart rate, vomiting and nausea, clay colored stools, low fever, jaundice, dark urine, loss of appetite, stomach pain, pain or tenderness and unusual weakness of muscles. Joint pains and muscle aches can also occur from taking Zetia. Other less serious side effects include cough, back and joint pain, stuffy or running nose, depressed mood, dizziness, headache, tired feeling, diarrhea, mild stomach pain and numbness. Informing your doctor of any of these symptoms is important.
Possible Drug Interactions with Zetia
If you have been prescribed to take Zetia, inform you doctor of drugs that you are currently having. These drugs could interfere with Zetia and nullify the benefits you are likely to accrue otherwise, such drugs include:
- Coumadin (warfarin)
- Neoral (cyclosporine)
- Lopid(gemfibrozil)
- Welchol (colesevelam)
- Colestid (colestipol)
- Questran (cholestyramine)
All over the counter and prescription medicines you use should be informed to your doctor if you are prescribed to take Zetia. A new medication should not be started without consulting your doctor.
If you have any questions about buying discount Zetia online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.
Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Zetia and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information
