Prescription Required
Description
What is Zetia prescribed for?
Zetia is a drug that is prescribed to lower low density cholesterol (LDL) levels by reducing cholesterol absorption. LDL is known as bad cholesterol because it gets accumulated in the walls of arteries and forms plaque, which narrows arteries and can lead to heart disease. High LDL cholesterol levels are a major cause of heart attacks and stroke. Zetia is often prescribed along with a low-fat diet. It may be used by itself or in conjunction with a statin to reduce cholesterol. It may also be prescribed to patients who have other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure in order to reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
How does Zetia work?
Zetia is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, which lowers cholesterol levels by decreasing the body’s ability to absorb cholesterol from the digestive system. It helps block absorption of bad cholesterol from the food you eat. This medication is available as a tablet for oral administration, containing 10mg of the active ingredient ezetimibe. The generic alternative of Zetia is available online for purchase at My Drug Center, and it is known as Ezetimibe. Zetia (Ezetimibe) is in a class of lipid-lowering compounds that selectively inhibits the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and related phytosterols.
Directions
Before taking your prescribed medication read all the instructions that was provided by your pharmacist. Take Zetia orally once a day with a full glass of water. This medication can be taken with or without food. Make sure you take Zetia at the same time each day to create a routine for yourself and to ensure an even spread of medication in your system. For optimal results take this medication on a regular basis. Do not change or increase your dose. You should continue taking this medication even if you feel well.
Zetia (Ezetimibe) is usually taken once daily and should be taken at the same time each day. It may be administered with or without a meal. Some cholesterol medications should not be taken at the same time. If you take Zetia with another cholesterol medicine, make sure to follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Cautions
Zetia (Ezetimibe) may contain medical and non medical ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction. Your doctor needs to know about any allergies you have, as well as any known medical conditions relating to liver disease. Also, you should tell your doctor about any medications or supplementation you take, whether prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, recreational drugs, and dietary or herbal supplements to avoid interactions with Zetia.
If you are taking other medication for cholesterol speak with your doctor to ensure you are scheduling them properly to allow full absorption for the medications.
A lifestyle change to include diet and exercise will also improve the effect of Zetia for reducing unwanted cholesterol. Healthy eating and change of negative habits like excessive drinking or smoking will do much to help improve the effect of the medication.
Side Effects
Some Zetia side effects include:
Diarrhea, back pain, stomach or abdominal pain, numbness or tingly feeling, tired feeling, headache, dizziness, depressed mood, runny or stuffy nose, cold symptoms, joint pain, back pain, or cough.
If any side effects of Ezetimibe become unmanageable speak with your doctor or pharmacist for help in managing any side effects. For any serious side effects that occur speak with your doctor right away for further treatment options.
FAQs
Q: What happens if I suddenly stop taking this medication?
A: A relapse in symptoms may occur depending on the severity of the condition, and you may experience side effects. You should speak to your doctor before you stop taking this medication.
Q: What is the best dosage to take for Zetia?
A: Your doctor will be able to determine the best Zetia dosage from the initial diagnosis.
Q: How long does it take for this medication to become active?
A: It can take up to two weeks with diet exercise to see results from this medication.
Q: What should I avoid while taking Zetia?
A: Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Zetia will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a low-cholesterol diet plan.
Q: What happens if I miss a dose?
A: You should take the missed dose as soon you realize you have forgotten. If the missed dose is closer to your next scheduled dose, take the next schedule dose to avoid overlapping.
Q: What is the best way to store this medication?
A: This medication is stored at room temperature, and should be kept away from children and pets.
Q: How do I dispose of this medication?
A: Do not throw away this medication in wastewater. Some medication can be thrown away in dry waste, and some require a little preparation for disposal. If you are uncertain how to dispose of this medication speak with your pharmacist to safely dispose any unwanted or experienced medication.
Q: Is this medication safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: Speak with your doctor about the risk associated with using this drug while pregnant. It is uncertain if this drug can pass into the breast milk of nursing mother. Consult your doctor to understand the risk in using this medication while breastfeeding
Need Help?
Call Our CareTeam
Our CareTeam Member will guide you to complete your order