What is Zetia?
Zetia is a prescription drug (generic name Ezetimbe) whose main purpose is to reduce the amount of cholesterol that the body absorbs. Zetia reduces the bad cholesterol or LDL in the body. It is also responsible for reducing the protein that is used to make cholesterol, apolipoprotein B. The reduction of cholesterol works as Zetia works in the digestive tract. It is here that it blocks the absorbtion of cholesterol which comes from food.
ZETIA has not been shown to prevent heart disease or heart attacks.
Zetia is one of the newer prescription cholesterol lowering drugs. Unlike the more common cholesterol medications called statins which block the enzyme your liver needs to produce cholesterol, Zetia works to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract.
Zetia can either be prescribed by a doctor to reduce cholesterol, or it can be used together with statin medications (Lipitor, Pravachol and Zocor). This will allow for the best cholesterol reduction.
Zetia works with the regime that you are doing to reduce your cholesterol. This means if you are doing proper diet and exercise or if you are just taking a statin alone to reduce your cholesterol
Zetia Important Information
ZETIA is a prescription medicine and it should not be used by people who might be allergic to any of their ingredients. Zetia can be useful if taken with a statin. Women who are pregnant or who have a chance of becoming pregnant should not take statins. The same can be said about people who have liver problems.
Zetia should be taken orally and this can be done while your eating or when your not.
You will not see instant results when taking Zetia. It will take up to 2 weeks before you start to see the benefits of using this drug.
You should take this medication on a regular basis if you want to see the benefits associated with it.
You should continue to take the medication, despite if you feel good.
There are side effects associated with Zetia.
Precautions before Taking Zetia
If you plan on taking Zetia (Ezetimibe) there are certain precautions that need to be taken to ensure that taking the drug is safe for you. You first need to consult with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that you have no allergic reactions to anything.
If you have specific medical conditions then this medicine should not be taken along with statins. This is especially true if you have liver disease or are pregnant or intend to get pregnant. If you are pregnant this drug should only be taken if it is absolutely necessary. The doctor will determine if it is needed or not.
Other Zetia Information
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
- The medication is only intended for you and should be used accordingly.
- You should have your cholesterol levels checked regularly. This is to ensure that progress is being made from taking zetia. If Zetia (Ezetimibe) is taken along with statin, then liver tests should be performed to ensure that you are within the safe limits.
- Zetia should be stored at room temperature which is 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). It should also be kept away from moisture and light. Brief storage from 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. It should not be stored in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
- When you are finished with Zetia you should discard it if it is expired or if it is no longer
