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ezetimibe
ezetimibe
What is the most important information I should know about ezetimibe?
What is the most important information I should know about ezetimibe?
Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.
What is ezetimibe?
What is ezetimibe?
Ezetimibe is used to treat high cholesterol.
Ezetimibe is sometimes given together with other cholesterol-lowering medications.
Ezetimibe may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ezetimibe?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ezetimibe?
You should not use ezetimibe if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- moderate to severe liver disease.
Not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old.
You should not use ezetimibe with a "statin" cholesterol medicine (Zocor, Lipitor, Crestor, and others) if:
- you have active liver disease;
- you are pregnant; or
- you are breastfeeding a baby.
Statin cholesterol medications can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in women, in older adults, or people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver disease;
- kidney disease; or
- unexplained muscle pain or weakness.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using ezetimibe with a statin medicine. Tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed if you take ezetimibe with a statin medicine.
How should I take ezetimibe?
How should I take ezetimibe?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Ezetimibe is usually taken once daily at the same time each day.
You may take ezetimibe with or without food.
Ezetimibe may be taken at the same time with fenofibrate, or with a statin medication such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, or fluvastatin.
Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and blood tests.
You may need frequent medical tests, even if you have no symptoms.
Your cholesterol levels may not improve for up to 2 weeks.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking ezetimibe?
What should I avoid while taking ezetimibe?
Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or ezetimibe will not be as effective.
What are the possible side effects of ezetimibe?
What are the possible side effects of ezetimibe?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Ezetimibe can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.
Side effects may be more likely in older adults.
Common side effects may include:
- diarrhea;
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
- pain in an arm or leg;
- joint pain; or
- muscle pain while taking ezetimibe with a statin.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect ezetimibe?
What other drugs will affect ezetimibe?
If you also take other cholesterol medication: Take ezetimibe 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking cholestyramine, colestipol, or colesevelam.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- cyclosporine;
- fenofibric acid;
- gemfibrozil; or
- a blood thinner --warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect ezetimibe, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about ezetimibe.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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