Ezetimibe

What is Ezetimibe for?

Ezetimibe belongs to the class of medications called cholesterol absorption inhibitors. It works by reducing the cholesterol absorbed in the small intestine. Ezetimibe lowers the amount of 'bad cholesterol' (low density lipoprotein or LDL-cholesterol) and 'fat' (triglyceride) as well as increase the amount of 'good cholesterol' (high density lipoprotein or HDL-cholesterol) in the blood.

High 'bad cholesterol' levels can cause your blood vessels to clog up and lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack or stroke. Hence, this medication may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.

How should I take or use Ezetimibe?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional. If you stop taking your medication, your cholesterol level may rise again.
• You may take this with or without food.
• If you are taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take it 4 hours before or 2 hours after ezetimibe.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Ezetimibe?

If your forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Ezetimibe?

Inform your healthcare processional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You have or have had liver or kidney disease.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Ezetimibe?

Some medications may interact with Ezetimibe and affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of side-effects. However, these medications may also be important for your treatment. Inform your healthcare professional of the other medications you are currently taking. Examples include:

• Other cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. cholestyramine, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate)

What are some common side effects of Ezetimibe?

• Stomach disturbances, e.g. diarrhoea, stomach pain
• feeling tired
• joint pain

Inform your healthcare professional of these side-effects do not go away and interfere with your daily life.

Rare but serious side effects that need to seek medical advice immediately

Very rarely, ezetimibe may cause muscle or liver problems. These symptoms may include one or more of the following:

• Breakdown of muscles - unexplained, severe muscle pain that does not go away, muscle weakness/ cramps all over your body or dark tea-coloured urine.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If your experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Ezetimibe?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

• throw away all expired medications.

How do I throw away Ezetimibe safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

What should I do if I overdose?

If your take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare processional for more information.