Ezetimibe Tablets

What is this medication?

EZETIMIBE (ez ET i mibe) treats high cholesterol. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed from the food you eat. This decreases the amount of bad cholesterol (such as LDL) in your blood. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zetia

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Muscle cramps, pain
• Muscle injury
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to ezetimibe, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Take bile acid sequestrants at a different time of day than this medication. Take this medication 2 hours BEFORE or 4 hours AFTER bile acid sequestrants.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 10 for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Fenofibrate
• Gemfibrozil

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Antacids
• Cyclosporine
• Herbal medications like red yeast rice
• Other medications to lower cholesterol or triglycerides

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Your care team may tell you to stop taking this medication if you develop muscle problems. If your muscle problems do not go away after stopping this medication, contact your care team.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medication. Women should inform their care team if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is potential for serious harm to an unborn child. Talk to your care team for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medication.

Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Your care team may give you a special diet to follow. Avoid alcohol. Avoid smoking. Ask your care team how much you should exercise.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care provider as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care provider if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Joint pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Is ezetimibe a statin?

No. Ezetimibe is a selective cholesterol absorption inhibitor. The medicine lowers your cholesterol level by preventing your small intestine from absorbing cholesterol.

Should ezetimibe be taken at night?

No, you don’t need to take it at night. But you should take it at least two hours before or four hours after taking a bile acid sequestrant (if your healthcare provider prescribed both for you).

Take ezetimibe by mouth with or without food at the same time each day.

Does ezetimibe cause weight gain?

No. Studies haven’t found that ezetimibe causes weight gain.

How long does ezetimibe stay in your system?

Half of the drug is still in your system after 22 hours. Nearly five days after taking it, you still have about 3% of the medicine in your body.