Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Drug Description:
Zetia (ezetimibe) is a medication that can control high cholesterol levels if accompanied by low fat and low cholesterol diet and exercise. This is a lipid-lowering compound that inhibits cholesterol and some phytosterols absorption in the intestine.
In a clinical study conducted, Zetia was given to 18 patients with hypercholesterolemia. In 2-weeks, this medication was able to effectively inhibit cholesterol absorption by 54%, compared to placebo.
Directions
Read and follow the prescription label before starting this medication. Take it as it is prescribed to you by your physician. Do not take Zetia doses that are larger or smaller than recommended.
Usually, this medication is taken once, at the same time, daily. It could be administered with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible – unless the next dose is nearly due. Taking another tablet to make up for the mixed dose is strongly discouraged.
As this is only a part of the complete program to control cholesterol levels, complying with proper diet, exercise, and other prescribed medications is important. Avoid eating fatty foods like whole dairy products, meat, pastries, and fried food.
If you are taking a bile acid sequestrant as an adjunct treatment, make sure to take Zetia 2 hours prior or 4 hours after taking a bile acid sequestrant. If taken simultaneously, bile acid sequestrant may bind to Zetia, which may interfere with the drug absorption.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Zetia include:
-diarrhea
-common colds
-muscle or joint paint
-headache
-fatigue
The side effects mentioned above usually go away and do not require medical attention. On the other hand, some unwanted side effects that may require medical attention are severe nausea, black-tarry stools, blood in urine, bleeding gums, and severe abdominal pain.
If you are taking Zetia together with a statin, you may also have to watch out for high ALT (alanine aminotransferase), myalgia, fatigue, pain in the extremities, and headache.
Precautions
Do not take this drug if you have a known allergy to ezetimibe or any ingredients Zetia may have. Be alert for signs of an allergic reaction like swelling of the face, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and skin rash.
Zetia is classified under Pregnancy Drug Category C, which means no definitive studies on pregnant women, but adverse effects on the animals’ fetus were observed. The effects of this drug on breastfeeding mothers and their children are also still unknown. Use this drug only if the potential benefits could outweigh the potential risks.
This drug is also not recommended for those with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. Those taking Zetia together with a statin should continuously monitor their hepatic transaminase levels and look out for liver enzyme abnormalities. In some rare cases, patients taking Zetia, with or without a statin, had suffered from cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zetia worth taking?
Zetia reviews revealed that this medication has been effective in controlling cholesterol levels. Some users claimed that they experienced little to no side effects while taking this drug.
How long does it take before cholesterol levels decrease on Zetia?
Generally, it may take up to two weeks before your cholesterol levels improve.
Could patients change their Zetia doses when symptoms improve?
No. It is not recommended to change your dose unless advised by your physician. It is necessary to take this medication regularly, even after you start feeling better.
How much does Zetia cost?
Our prices are listed on the top of this page. We invite you to chat with us or call us if you have any questions about Candrugstore’sZetia pricing.
