Ezetimibe Tablets

What are Ezetimibe tablets?

EZETIMIBE (Zetia®) blocks the absorption of cholesterol from the stomach. Ezetimibe can help lower blood cholesterol for patients who are at risk of getting heart disease or a stroke. It is only for patients whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet. It is not a cure. Generic ezetimibe tablets are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Ezetimibe?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an alcohol problem

• liver disease

• muscle disorder or condition

• an unusual reaction to ezetimibe, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take ezetimibe tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Ezetimibe can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

If you are taking a 'statin' type medication (like atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, or simvastatin) to lower your cholesterol, you can take ezetimibe once daily at the same time that you take the 'statin' medication.

If you are taking a 'resin' type medication (like cholestyramine, colesevelam, or colestipol) to lower your cholesterol, you should take ezetimibe at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after you take the 'resin' medication.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Ezetimibe?

• alcohol-containing beverages

• antacids

• cyclosporine

• herbal medicines such as Went Yeast (Cholestin™)

• other medicines to lower cholesterol or triglycerides

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Ezetimibe?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your prescriber may order regular tests to check your cholesterol and other plasma lipid levels. If you are also taking a 'statin-type' drug (such as atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, or simvastatin), you will also need to have regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness.

Ezetimibe is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your physician or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Ezetimibe?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare (possible increased risk if taking ezetimibe with other cholesterol-lowering drugs)

• dark yellow or brown urine

• muscle pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness

• unusual tiredness or weakness

• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• headache

• joint pain

• stomach upset or pain

• tiredness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.