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Ezetimibe

  • Keep your regular doctor's appointments so that your cholesterol level can be checked.
  • Changes in lifestyle are important in reducing cholesterol, for example, eating healthy food, stopping smoking, increasing the exercise you take, and reducing the amount of alcohol you drink.
  • Important: if you have any unusual aches and pains in your muscles, contact your doctor straight away.

About ezetimibe

Type of medicineLipid-regulating drug
Used forLowering cholesterol in adults and children over 10 years of age
Also calledEzetrol®
Inegy® (a combination of ezetimibe with simvastatin)
Available asTablets

Cholesterol is made naturally in the body and is absorbed from the food we eat. If levels of cholesterol are too high in the blood stream, it can stick to the walls of blood vessels. Eventually this leads to a narrowing of the blood vessels and can even block them completely.

High levels of cholesterol do not make people feel ill but can cause problems if left untreated. Ezetimibe works by reducing the amount of cholesterol you absorb from food. This may help prevent medical problems caused by cholesterol and fats building up in blood vessels, such as heart disease and other problems.

Ezetimibe is usually used alongside other medicines to lower cholesterol, such as simvastatin, but may be used alone.

Before taking ezetimibe

Before taking ezetimibe make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver problems.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take ezetimibe

  • Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take ezetimibe exactly as your doctor has told you to.
  • Ezetimibe is usually taken once each day. Try take it at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • You can take ezetimibe tablets before, during or after meals.
  • If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then continue taking it the next day at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Changes in lifestyle are important in reducing cholesterol, for example, eating healthy food, stopping smoking, increasing the exercise you take, and reducing the amount of alcohol you drink. Make sure you follow any lifestyle advice you have been given.
  • Smoking tends to increase your cholesterol level and also puts a strain on your heart and circulatory system. If you are a smoker, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on how to quit.
  • Keep your appointments with your doctor. You will need to have blood tests from time to time so that your progress can be checked.
  • Even though you may feel completely well, do not stop taking ezetimibe without checking with your doctor first.

Can ezetimibe cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, flatulenceDrink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids. Speak with your doctor if this continues
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. Speak with your doctor if headaches continue to be a problem
TirednessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery, or doing any other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert

Important: tell your doctor straight away if you develop any unusual muscle pain or ache, or weakness.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store ezetimibe

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Ezetrol® 10 mg Tablets, MSD-SP LTD, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2010, accessed October 2010.
  • British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3893DocRef: dils3900Last Reviewed: 11 Nov 2010Version: 24
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