Ezetimibe (By Mouth)

Ezetimibe (ez-ET-i-mibe)

Lowers high cholesterol levels in your blood. May be used in combination with another cholesterol-lowering medicine.

Brand Name(s):

Zetia
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ezetimibe. If you have liver disease, you should not use this medicine together with certain other cholesterol-lowering medicines called "statins."

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

If a dose 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 This Medicine:

• Store the medicine 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:

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 also using cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), gemfibrozil (Lopid®), or any other medicine to lower cholesterol (such as cholestyramine, clofibrate, fenofibrate, Atromid-S®, Cholestid®, Questran®, Tricor®, Welchol®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Chest pain
• Severe muscle pain or stiffness

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

• Diarrhea, stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.