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Zetia (ezetimibe) is used in the treatment of high plasma cholesterol levels. It works by decreasing the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine.

Zetia is usually administered along with other cholesterol-lowering medications, when those other medications are not providing adequate results on their own. It may be used alone when, for any number of reasons, the patient is unable to take other medications, such as statins, or in patients who have demonstrated commitment to making appropriate dietary changes.

Dietary changes are usually recommended regardless of what medications are given. While particulars may vary between doctors, dieticians, and other sources, most have some basics in common:

• Cut back on saturated fats, as found in dairy products and red meat.
• Eliminate trans fat if possible, most commonly found in processed foods.
• Minimize cholesterol intake, found in egg yolks and dairy products.
• Eat more fiber, found in vegetables and many grains or cereals.

Dietary suggestions can also vary considerably by country. It is a complex subject, but worth looking into as dietary changes are the single most important factor in long-term management of the condition, not to mention overall health.

Standard Treatment

The medication comes in tablets, which are small and easy to take. Treatment is usually very similar across patients:

• Take one 10 mg Zetia tablet once a day
• Can be taken with or without food

Patients also taking a bile acid sequestrant should take Zetia more than 2 hours before or 4 hours after.

Depending on individual response, other medications being taken, and diet, it may take several weeks to months for significant results to be seen. Treatment with Zetia can continue for as long as it provides benefit.

Regular doctor checkups are advised for the duration of treatment, to ensure the medication is continuing to work as intended as well as monitor for developing complications. Patients who have made lifestyle changes may need periodic dosage adjustment and eventually may be able to discontinue treatment entirely.

Adverse Reactions

Side effects are usually mild, and often stop happening during the first few weeks of treatment as the body adapts. Most commonly reported are:

• Headache
• Steatorrhea (fatty diarrhea)
• Rash
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Other muscle issues

Zetia can cause a range of muscle complications, most of which will be difficult for patients to detect until severe. Regular screenings by a doctor can often catch theses issues early so they may be addressed with relative ease.

Patients who have liver disease or elevated hepatic transaminase levels should not take Zetia if also taking statins. Likewise women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Zetia if also taking statins.

Rarely some patients have an allergic reaction to Zetia. Symptoms include:

• Hives
• Chest pain or heartbeat changes
• Swelling of face or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or confusion
• Severe weakness
• Erratic behavior

An allergic reaction to this or any medication warrants immediate, emergency medical attention.