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.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zetia

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

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.

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.

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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.

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.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.

Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Ask your care team if there are other changes you can make to improve your overall health.

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.

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.