ezetimibe

What is the most important information I should know about ezetimibe?

What is ezetimibe?

Ezetimibe is used to treat high cholesterol.

Ezetimibe is sometimes given together with other cholesterol-lowering medications.

Ezetimibe may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ezetimibe?

• moderate to severe liver disease.

You should not use ezetimibe with a "statin" cholesterol medicine (Zocor, Lipitor, Crestor, and others) if:

• you have active liver disease;
• you are pregnant; or
• you are breastfeeding a baby.

Statin cholesterol medications can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in women, in older adults, or people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• unexplained muscle pain or weakness.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take ezetimibe?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Ezetimibe is usually taken once daily at the same time each day.

You may take ezetimibe with or without food.

Ezetimibe may be taken at the same time with fenofibrate, or with a statin medication such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, or fluvastatin.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and blood tests.

You may need frequent medical tests, even if you have no symptoms.

Your cholesterol levels may not improve for up to 2 weeks.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking ezetimibe?

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or ezetimibe will not be as effective.

What are the possible side effects of ezetimibe?

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• diarrhea;
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
• pain in an arm or leg;
• joint pain; or
• muscle pain while taking ezetimibe with a statin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ezetimibe?

If you also take other cholesterol medication: Take ezetimibe 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking cholestyramine, colestipol, or colesevelam.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• cyclosporine;
• fenofibric acid;
• gemfibrozil; or
• a blood thinner --warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect ezetimibe, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ezetimibe.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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