Zetia

Name:        Trade Name              Generic Name                                     Zetia                         Ezetimibe

Purpose:         To decrease total cholesterol and LDL. It can be used alone or with other medications for additional cholesterol lowering.

Action:            Works in the small intestine to reduce the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs.  It does not reduce fat absorption or promote weight loss.

Dose:               One 10 mg tablet daily, with or without food.

You should not take Zetia if you:

Are allergic to any of the ingredients

Have active liver disease or unexplained elevated liver enzymes

Take a fibrate* medication such as Lopid, Gemfibrozil, Tricor, or LoFibra  (*Occasionally a lipid physician may choose to use a fibrate with Zetia if it is determined that the benefits outweigh the risks)

Possible side effects:

Zetia has been well tolerated and patients report few side effects.  Call your doctor or the cholesterol clinic if you are having stomach pain, feeling tired, or have other medical problems that you feel may be related to Zetia.

Lab tests: 

Follow-up lipid profiles will be needed periodically to evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment.  If you are also taking a statin medication, liver function tests will also be required. 

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