ZETIA
Generic Version of Zetia: E: EZETIMIBE (eh-ZET-eh-mib)Zetia Manufacturer: MERCK
How to use Zetia:
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. IF YOU ARE ALSO TAKING A BILE ACID SEQUESTRANT (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol, or colsevelam), take ezetimibe at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after the bile acid sequestrant. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. DO NOT STORE in the bathroom. CONTINUE TAKING THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel sick. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, 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.
Common reasons for using Zetia:
This medicine 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.
Common side effects of Zetia:
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, throat inflammation, runny nose, or back pain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience chest pain, fatigue, or stomach pain. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE 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, nurse, or pharmacist.
Cautions before using Zetia:
FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. IT MAY TAKE 2 WEEKS for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS (e.g., cholesterol levels) while you are using this medicine. 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. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.