Ezetimibe

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Ezetimibe Prescription Drug Information

Ezetimibe (By mouth)
Ezetimibe (ez-ET-i-mide)

Lowers cholesterol in your blood. May be used in combination with another cholesterol-lowering medicine called a "statin."

Brand Name(s):Zetia
There may be other brand names for Ezetimibe.

When Ezetimibe Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Ezetimibe if you have had an allergic reaction to ezetimibe. Do not use Ezetimibe together with a statin drug if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.

How to Use Ezetimibe:
Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of Ezetimibe to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take Ezetimibe with or without food.
• If you also use cholestyramine (Questran®), Colestid®, or Welchol®, take that medicine at least 2 hours after or 4 hours before you take ezetimibe.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

If a dose of Ezetimibe is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of Ezetimibe:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Ezetimibe:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), cholestyramine (Questran®), fenofibrate (Tricor®), or gemfibrozil (Lopid®).

Warnings While Using Ezetimibe:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Ezetimibe. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using Ezetimibe:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain.
• Fever, chills, cough, or sore throat.
• Headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Ezetimibe, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, stomach pain.
• Joint pain, back pain.
• Stuffy or runny nose, sneezing.
• Tiredness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Ezetimibe, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088