Zetia, a brand name for the drug ezetimibe, is a medication used to treat high cholesterol. Zetia works in two different ways. The drug reduces the levels of LDL in the bloodstream and also restricts the amount of dietary cholesterol that can absorbed by the body during the process of digestion. People who are not seeing a drop in cholesterol levels by using statin drugs may be urged to either replace their current medication with Zetia or add it to their daily regimen. As with all medications, Zetia is not safe for everyone to use, so consult with your doctor about all cholesterol drug possibilities.
Ideal Candidates
People who have not had luck lowering their cholesterol levels with lifestyle modifications or statin drugs are ideal candidates for using Zetia, as long as they meet some crucial qualifications. Women who also take statin drugs and are pregnant or nursing should not use Zetia, but it may be a possibility if statin drugs are not part of a daily regimen. Those with liver disease or prior allergic reactions to ezetimibe should not use the medication at all. The drug can cause harmful interactions when taking with other medications, including cyclosporine and warfarin, so be sure your doctor knows about all other medicines and supplements you may be taking. Zetia is safe for adults to take, but it has not been researched sufficiently to know if the medication is safe for children younger than 10 years old.
Dosage Instructions
According to Merck/Schering-Plough, the company that manufactures Zetia, a standard dosage is a single dose of 10 mg each day. Zetia can be taken with food but does not have to be taken on a full stomach. If you are taking statin drugs along with Zetia, both medications can be taken at once, but other medicines may need to be staggered to ensure that you will receive the full benefit of both. Bring a list of your current medications to your doctor's appointments to facilitate creating a schedule that is safe and will fit into your lifestyle easily.
Increase Effectiveness
Zetia is designed to block some of the cholesterol that would normally be absorbed into your body as you digest your meals. Eating a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and exercising will help increase the effectiveness of the medication, though the drug will most likely work to a limited extent if these extra measures are not followed. If you are unsure about what foods to eat while taking Zetia, ask your doctor for advice or hire a nutritionist who can help you modify your diet. Though Zetia is not a weight-loss drug, participating in regular exercise while taking it may help you lose weight if necessary, which can also lead to a drop in high cholesterol levels.
Storing the medication correctly will also ensure that the drug retains its potency and is doing its job well. Keep Zetia out of direct sunlight and moist, humid areas. A dry, cool place such as a kitchen cabinet is an ideal storage location.
Side Effects
Most medications carry some minor side effects, and Zetia is no exception. Some people may experience headaches, nasal congestion or mild stomach upset when taking the drug. These side effects can be bothersome but do not usually cause enough harm to justify stopping the medication. Serious side effects that may point to an allergic reaction are more serious and require immediate medical attention. Signs of an allergy to ezetimibe include muscle pain and weakness, jaundice, severe stomach pain (usually the diagnosis is pancreatitis), chest pain, hives and swelling in the facial area.
Routine Testing
Periodic monitoring is essential when taking Zetia to be sure that the medication is working and that bodily systems are not being compromised in the process. Your doctor will routinely take blood samples to test your cholesterol levels and liver function. Most people need to take Zetia for a few weeks before they will start seeing a difference in their cholesterol readings. If liver function begins to decline while taking Zetia, the medication will most likely be stopped to prevent further complications.
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