Ezetimibe Drug – How does Ezetimibe Works?

Type of Drug:

Antihyperlipidemic; cholesterol-lowering drug.

How the Ezetimibe Product Works:

Ezetimibe lowers blood cholesterol levels by blocking the absorption of cholesterol from the small intestine.

Uses of The Ezetimibe :

As adjunctive therapy to lifestyle changes for the reduction of elevated total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B in patients with high cholesterol. May be used in combination with other cholesterol ­lowering drugs.

Precautions:

Use with caution in the following situations: Current HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (eg, lovastatin) use.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits out­weigh the possible risks to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if ezetimibe appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children younger than 10 years of age have not been established.

Lab Tests: Lab tests will be required during treatment. Tests include cholesterol levels and liver function tests.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with this drug. Drug doses may need to be modified or a different drug prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this drug:

• Bile acid sequestrants (eg, cholestyramine)
• Cyclosporine (eg, Neoral)
• Fenofibrate (eg, Tricor)
• Gemfibrozil (eg, Lopid)
• HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, lovastatin)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors, including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Stomach pain; diarrhea.

Respiratory System: Sore throat; sinus infection; cough; upper respiratory tract infection.

Other: Fatigue; chest, back, muscle, and joint pain; dizziness; headache.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Use exactly as prescribed.
• Do not stop taking or change the dose, unless instructed by your doctor.
• May be taken without regard to food,
• Take 2 or more hours before or 4 or more hours after a bile acid sequestrant (eg, cholestyramine).
• Continue to follow a cholesterol-lowering diet while taking ezetimibe. Ask your doctor if you need diet information.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless instructed by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Notify your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or tired­ness or unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
• Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Store at 59° to 86°F. Protect from moisture.