Zetia (Ezetimibe)

Do’s

• Before starting Zetia, read the Patient Information Leaflet from your pharmacist and consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
• Zetia should be taken by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily. The specific dosage will be based on your medical condition and your response to treatment.
• Zetia can be taken with or without food. Take it regularly at the same time each day to get the most benefit from it.
• If you are taking a bile acid sequestrant (such as cholestyramine, or colestipol), take Zetia at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking the bile acid sequestrant. These products may bind to ezetimibe, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug.
• Keep taking Zetia even if you feel well, as most people with high cholesterol do not feel sick. It may take up to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Common Side Effects:

• Infection, such as respiratory or sinus infection
• Diarrhea
• Pain in arms or legs
• Joint pain 

These side effects are usually mild and may go away over time. However, consult with a healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen.

Concurrent administration of Zetia with a specific statin or fenofibrate should be per the product labeling for that medication.

The incidence of consecutive increased transaminases was higher in patients receiving Zetia administered with statins than in patients treated with statins alone.

If you have liver problems, talk with your healthcare provider before taking Zetia, especially when combined with a statin, as it can cause liver problems and worsen existing liver issues.

Zetia can interact with several kinds of drugs, including fibrate drugs and bile acid sequestrants. Discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider.

Zetia is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to ezetimibe or any of the excipients in Zetia. Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, and urticaria have been reported.

Zetia is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old. Discuss the use of this medication in children with the healthcare provider, as precautions do apply.

The information provided is not exhaustive. Consult with a healthcare provider before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.