Ezetimibe (By mouth)
Ezetimibe (e-ZET-i-mibe)
Treats heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), and homozygous familial sitosterolemia, and lowers bad cholesterol (LDL).
Brand Name(s):
Ezetimibe AvPak, Zetia
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ezetimibe.How to Use This Medicine:
Tablet
- Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take this medicine at the same time each day.
- Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Some medicines can affect how ezetimibe works. Tell your doctor if you are using cyclosporine, a statin medicine, fibrate medicine, or other medicine to treat cholesterol.
- Take this medicine at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after using bile acid sequestrants (including cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol).
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease kidney disease, or muscle problems.
- This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Liver problems
- Severe muscle problems, including myopathy and rhabdomyolysis
- Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
- Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches
- Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Back, arm, leg, or joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 9/6/2024
