Cholesterol lowering drug Ezetimibe is used either alone or with other cholesterol lowering drugs (e.g., HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or "statins"), along with a cholesterol-lowering diet, to help lower cholesterol in the blood. Reducing cholesterol helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. Ezetimibe works by reducing the amount of cholesterol the body absorbs from your diet. Ezetimibe is available as a 10mg tablet. The Ezetimibe tablet can be cut in half if required. Ezetimibe may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. IF YOU ARE ALSO TAKING A BILE ACID SEQUESTRANT (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol, or colsevelam), take Ezetimibe at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after the bile acid sequestrant.
Ezetimibe side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, throat inflammation, runny nose, or back pain. If Ezetimibe side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience Ezetimibe side effects like chest pain, fatigue, or stomach pain. Ezetimibe side effects are UNLIKELY, but seek immediate medical attention if Ezetimibe side effects occur. Symptoms of Ezetimibe side effects include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble in breathing.
The most common dose of EZETIMIBE is 10mg daily. Ask your doctor if EZETIMIBE is appropriate for you.
EZETIMIBE is a prescription drug and should not be taken by people who are allergic to any of its ingredients. When EZETIMIBE is prescribed with a statin like drug (eg ZOCOR, LIPITOR, PRAVACHOL, or LESCOL), it should not be taken by women who are nursing or pregnant or by anyone with active liver disease.