How to Use Zetia to Treat Cholesterol

Zetia, also called Ezetimibe, is one of the newer cholesterol medications on the market. Statin medicines are used to treat high cholesterol by limiting how much cholesterol the body produces. Zetia is different because it reduces the amounts of dietary cholesterol that can be absorbed by your body through the intestinal tract. Zetia lowers LDL levels and raises the amount of HDL in the body. Some doctors use both types of medications together to lower a person's total cholesterol.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blood tests
• Healthy diet
• Physician
• Regular exercise
• Zetia
• List of medications

Use Zetia to Treat Cholesterol

1. Prepare a list of all the medications you currently take, especially those you use to treat high cholesterol. Remember to include over-the-counter and herbal remedies as well as prescription medicines. Your doctor will review the list to be sure it is safe for you to take Zetia.

2. Pay close attention to the instructions regarding when to take your Zetia. Many other cholesterol medications must be taken several hours before or after Zetia so they do not negatively interact. If you forget to take your medicine, take the next dose as scheduled, but do not double up.

3. Keep Zetia at room temperature away from wet conditions, such as near a sink. Store the pills in a closed container where children cannot reach.

4. Have your blood drawn as directed by your doctor to see whether Zetia is helping to reduce your cholesterol levels. Upon studying your test results, he may adjust your dose of Zetia.

5. Increase the amount of high-fiber and low-fat foods you consume. Zetia will not be as effective if you do not follow a healthy diet.

6. Go on a bike ride, take a brisk walk or find other ways to incorporate exercise into your life. Using exercise along with a healthy diet is the best way to see the full benefits of Zetia.

7. Call your doctor if you experience side effect that are severe or persistant. Common side effects can include back, abdominal or joint pain, headaches and diarrhea.

Tips & Warnings

• Zetia is meant for use only by adults and children over the age of 10. If you have a younger child who may need cholesterol-lowering medication, speak to the doctor about other drug options.
• Do not take Zetia combined with a statin drug if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as many statin drugs can harm developing fetuses and nursing infants.
• Do not use Zetia if you are taking fibrates to treat cholesterol.

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[hvnguye]

on 8/23/2009 Zetia is too expensive even with insurance you still pay a brand name co-pay which is $35 to $75 for 30 tabs