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Ezetimibe

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Do not stop taking ezetimibe without checking with your doctor first.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have swelling of the face, lips or mouth, are jaundiced (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness

About ezetimibe

Type of medicine	Lipid-regulating drug
Used for	Lowering cholesterol
Also called	Ezetrol
Available as	Tablets

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 we 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.

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.

How to take ezetimibe

Take ezetimibe exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at the usual times. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose, never take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

Ezetimibe is usually given with other cholesterol-lowering medicines and is only effective when a healthy diet is also followed
Many people are able to control their condition by carefully following their doctor's directions for a healthy diet and exercise. Medicine is prescribed only when additional help is needed.
Even though you may feel completely well, never stop taking ezetimibe without checking with your doctor first. When you stop taking ezetimibe, your cholesterol levels may increase again.
Do not smoke. Smoking tends to increase your cholesterol level and also puts a strain on the heart and circulatory system.
Avoid drinking too much alcohol while you are being treated with ezetimibe. Alcohol can also increase your cholesterol levels.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. They will want to measure the cholesterol in your blood occasionally to monitor your progress

Can ezetimibe cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. 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 medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Tummy upsets	Drink plenty of water. Speak to your doctor if this continues.
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. Speak to your doctor if a headache continues to be a problem.
Dizziness	Make 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 immediately if you have swelling of the face, lips or mouth, are jaundiced (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness

How to store ezetimibe

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

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
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. Always take the container with you, if possible, 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.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
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.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
3893

DocRef:
dils3900

Last Updated:
1 Feb 2007

Date of Next Review:
31 Jan 2009

Version:
23

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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