Zetia

Other names used:

• Ezetrol®

Active Ingredients:

• Ezetimibe

How does Zetia work and what pharmaceutical group does it belong to?

Zetia belongs to a group of medications called cholesterol-lowering agents. Therapeutic effect of the medication is associated with selective inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol and some herbal stiroles in the intestines. Ezetimibe is localized in the brush border in the intestine and prevents the absorbing of cholesterol into the blood. Due to this effect the deposits of cholesterol in the liver are decreased and liver begins to collect cholesterol from the blood. This results in lowering of "bad cholesterol" blood levels.

Which conditions are treated with Zetia?

Zetia is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:

• Primary hypercholesterolemia
• Homozygotic familial hypercholesterolemia
• Homozygotic sitosterolemia

What should a patient know prior to taking the medication?

Zetia should not be taken in:

• hypersensitivity to any of the medication ingredients
• moderate and severe liver failure
• gall bladder disease
• muscle problems
• alcohol abuse
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding

Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?

The most common Zetia side effects include: upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, joint pain, sinus infection, pain in the arm or leg, fatigue, flu.

It is not necessary that the side effects will manifest in an individual but the possibility still exist. For more information please consult your health care provider.

Which groups of drugs or specific preparations may interact with Zetia?

The drug is affected by the following:

• Fibrates
• Statins
• Blood thinners
• Bile acid sequestrants (resins)
• Immune suppression therapy(cyclosporine)

Tell your doctor about all the herbal preparations as well as prescription drugs that you are currently taking even if they are not on the list.

Important information for the patient:

Zetia is supplied for individual use. Do not use it to treat other conditions not listed in the leaflet. Keep the product out of children reach. Do not reuse any disposable materials if supplied with the preparation.