Ezedoc (ezetimibe) is an antihyperlipidemic medication useful in treating high cholesterol levels and hyperlipidemia, as well as, though less commonly, sitosterolemia. The medication works by inhibiting absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, thus forcing the liver to pull cholesterol from the blood, lowering overall levels.

Patients as young as 10 years old can use Ezedoc, though doctor approval should be sought first and dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Taking Ezedoc

Ezedoc comes in 10 mg tablets. To acquire smaller doses, tablets can be split or quartered. Tablets are typically taken once per day, with or without food as desired.

When Ezedoc is the only medication being taken, dosage & Administration is simple:

• Take 10 mg once per day.

If also taking a bile sequestrant:

• Take Ezedoc 4 hours before or 2 hours after taking the bile sequestrant.

If taking other cholesterol-reducing medications:

• Ezedoc dosage may be reduced to 5 mg or 2.5 mg per day.

In all cases, 10 mg Ezedoc per day should not be exceeded.

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.

Ezedoc can be used as long as needed, provided no adverse effects develop. Patients often take it for years, and may use Ezedoc for the remainder of life.

The Importance of Lifestyle Changes

Dietary changes, and to some extent other lifestyle changes, are also recommended to patients who need Ezedoc. Some common suggestions include:

• 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.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Get regular exercise.

Dietary/lifestyle changes are a complex subject, which will vary to some extent between doctors and according to personal factors. It is worth looking into, and trying, however; dietary/lifestyle changes are the single most important factor in long-term management of the condition, not to mention overall health.

If effective changes are made and adhered to, patients may eventually no longer need Ezedoc or similar medications, though it will take some time.

Though it is the exception rather than the rule, some patients don't respond to lifestyle changes, or have already made them and experienced little difference. These individuals will likely need to take Ezedoc or a similar medication for the remainder of life.

Potential Side Effects

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

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

While rare, Ezedoc 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; attending regular checkups is strongly encouraged.

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