Zetia (Ezetimibe)

Zetia treats high blood cholesterol along with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. It is also used to treat high blood sitosterol and campesterol along with diet therapy.

Zetia is an antihyperlipidemic agent. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol or other sterols that your body absorbs from your diet.

Do not use Zetia if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zetia;
• you have moderate to severe liver problems.

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• For best results, Zetia should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight.
• If you experience unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, contact your doctor.
• Lab tests, including liver function, and cholesterol levels, may be performed while you use Zetia . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Zetia should not be used in children younger than 10 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zetia while you are pregnant. It is not known if Zetia is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Zetia, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• diarrhea; dizziness; headache; joint pain; sinus inflammation; sore throat; stomach pain; tiredness.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dark urine; unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Zetia is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people