Zetia

What is Zetia?

Zetia is a medication designed to lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. It is prescribed for individuals with high cholesterol that cannot be adequately managed through diet and exercise alone.

Mechanism of Action

Zetia functions by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the body. It is essential to maintain a cholesterol-lowering diet while using this medication.

Combination Therapy

Zetia is sometimes administered alongside other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as fenofibrate or statins like atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, or fluvastatin. However, it should not be combined with a “statin” cholesterol medicine in cases of active liver disease, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Warnings

• Zetia forms part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Adherence to prescribed routines is crucial.
• Some cholesterol medications should not be taken simultaneously. If combining Zetia with another cholesterol medicine, follow the doctor’s dosing instructions meticulously.
• Avoid Zetia with moderate to severe liver disease. Additionally, refrain from using Zetia with a “statin” cholesterol medicine in the presence of active liver disease, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Contact your doctor immediately if unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness occurs, especially when accompanied by fever, unusual fatigue, and dark-colored urine.

Before Taking this Medicine

• Do not use Zetia if allergic to ezetimibe or with moderate to severe liver disease.
• Zetia is not approved for individuals younger than 10 years old.
• Avoid Zetia in combination with a “statin” cholesterol medicine (Zocor, Lipitor, Crestor, etc.) if having active liver disease, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Statin cholesterol medications can lead to muscle tissue breakdown, potentially causing kidney failure. This risk is higher in women, older adults, and individuals with kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
• Inform your doctor about any existing liver disease, kidney disease, unexplained muscle pain or weakness, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Employ effective birth control while using Zetia with a statin medicine and notify your doctor if planning pregnancy. Do not breastfeed during this medication.

How should I take Zetia?

• Follow the doctor’s prescription and carefully read all provided instructions.
• Typically, Zetia is taken once daily at the same time.
• Zetia can be taken with or without food.
• Co-administration with fenofibrate or a statin (except in specific conditions) may be necessary.
• The treatment plan may include diet, exercise, weight control, and regular blood tests.
• Frequent medical tests may be required, even without symptoms.
• Cholesterol levels may take up to 2 weeks to show improvement.
• Store at room temperature, protecting from moisture and heat.

Dosing Information

• Hyperlipidemia (Adults):
• Usual dose: 10 mg orally once a day
• Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (Adults):
• Usual dose: 10 mg orally once a day
• Sitosterolemia (Adults):
• Usual dose: 10 mg orally once a day
• Pediatric Dose (10 years or older):
• For various conditions, the usual dose is 10 mg orally once a day.

Missed Dose and Overdose

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible, but skip it if close to the next scheduled dose. Avoid doubling doses.

What should I avoid while taking Zetia?

• Avoid consuming high-fat or cholesterol-rich foods to ensure Zetia’s effectiveness.

Zetia Side Effects

• Seek emergency medical help for signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially when accompanied by fever, unusual fatigue, or dark urine, requires immediate medical attention.
• Side effects may be more common in older adults.
• Common side effects include diarrhea, cold symptoms, pain in an arm or leg, joint pain, or muscle pain when using Zetia with a statin.

What other drugs will affect Zetia?

• If taking other cholesterol medication, take Zetia 2 hours before or 4 hours after cholestyramine, colestipol, or colesevelam.
• Inform your doctor about all other medicines, especially cyclosporine, fenofibric acid, gemfibrozil, or blood thinners like warfarin.