Your session is about to expire
What is Zetia
EzetimibeThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryEzetimibe is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels. It works by blocking cholesterol absorption in the intestines. Ezetimibe is used in combination with a healthy diet to treat primary hyperlipidemia, mixed hyperlipidemia, homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, and homozygous sitosterolemia. Unlike other cholesterol-lowering drugs, ezetimibe does not affect the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, triglycerides, or bile acids. The effectiveness of this drug is linked to the Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1)
Zetiais the brand name
Zetia Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Zetia
Ezetimibe
2002
156
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Ezetimibe, also called Zetia, is approved by the FDA for 5 uses which include Lipids and Diet .Lipids
Used to treat Elevated Blood Lipids in combination with Simvastatin
Diet
Used to treat Diet in combination with Simvastatin
Mixed Hyperlipidemia
Used to treat Mixed Hyperlipidemia in combination with Fenofibrate
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Used to treat Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH) in combination with Simvastatin
Hyperlipidemia
Used in combination with Pitavastatin to help manage primary Hyperlipidemia
Effectiveness
How Zetia Affects PatientsEzetimibe helps reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG), and increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL-C). It is most effective when taken with a statin or fenofibrate instead of just one of those medications. People with homozygous and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia have seen the best results, reducing LDL levels by 15-20% and increasing HDL-C by 2.5-5%. Those with moderate to severe liver impairment should avoid ezetimibe as its effects in this population are unknown. Additionally, some reports suggest that
How Zetia works in the bodyEzetimibe helps lower cholesterol levels by blocking its absorption in the gut. It does this by targeting a protein, called NPC1L1, which is found in the small intestine and helps absorb cholesterol into the body. When Ezetimibe binds to NPC1L1, it prevents it from binding to cholesterol, so it can't be absorbed. Ezetimibe also disrupts other proteins that help regulate cholesterol absorption, like the CAV1-annexin 2 heterocomplex. Overall, this reduces the amount of cholesterol taken in by the body and increases its removal from the blood.
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dose of Zetia is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Diet, Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Hyperlipidemia. The quantity of dosage is contingent upon the mode of administration (e.g. Oral or Tablet) as detailed in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hyperlipidemia
10.0 mg,
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Mixed Hyperlipidemia
10.0 mg,
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Lipids
10.0 mg,
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
10.0 mg,
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
sitosterols
10.0 mg,
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Diet
10.0 mg,
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Homozygous Sitosterolemia
10.0 mg,
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Warnings
Zetia has three contraindications and should be avoided when confronting any of the conditions outlined in the ensuing table.Zetia ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Transaminases
Do Not Combine
active liver disease
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Ezetimibe may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Zetia Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Atazanavir
Moderate
Ezetimibe may decrease the excretion rate of Atazanavir which could result in a higher serum level.
Belantamab mafodotin
Moderate
Ezetimibe may decrease the excretion rate of Belantamab mafodotin which could result in a higher serum level.
Benzbromarone
Moderate
Ezetimibe may decrease the excretion rate of Benzbromarone which could result in a higher serum level.
Budesonide
Moderate
Ezetimibe may decrease the excretion rate of Budesonide which could result in a higher serum level.
Clarithromycin
Moderate
Ezetimibe may decrease the excretion rate of Clarithromycin which could result in a higher serum level.
Zetia Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of sitosterolemia in rats has been found to be greater than 2000mg/kg. The same is true for mice and dogs, with the lowest toxic dose being greater than 5000mg/kg and 3000mg/kg, respectively. In one case of accidental overdose, the patient experienced no adverse effects. If someone overdoses on sitosterolemia, symptomatic treatment is recommended.
Zetia Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Zetia?
8 active trials are currently underway to assess the utility of Zetia in regulating sitosterols, Diet and Lipid levels.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Diet
5 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Homozygous Sitosterolemia
0 Actively Recruiting
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2
Lipids
0 Actively Recruiting
sitosterols
0 Actively Recruiting
Mixed Hyperlipidemia
0 Actively Recruiting
Hyperlipidemia
0 Actively Recruiting
Zetia Reviews: What are patients saying about Zetia?
5Patient Review
5/4/2021 Zetia has been a godsend. I've been struggling with high cholesterol for years, and this medication finally brought my numbers down into the normal range. No side effects that I can tell, either!
5Patient Review
10/28/2022 Zetia in addition to Rosuvastatin has lowered my LDL from 100 to 66, which is a much more acceptable range. I'm 63 years old and have a history of heart problems in my family, so this was a big worry for me. So far, I've had no negative side effects from either medication.
4Patient Review
6/12/2021 Though very effective, I experienced immense pain in every joint and extremity. This made it difficult to move around and do daily activities. I'm going to stop taking the medication for a week or two to see if the pain goes away. If not, I'll contact my doctor for further instructions.
3.7Patient Review
12/18/2021 I've been pleased with Zetia. It's helped bring down my cholesterol and LDL significantly in the two years I've taken it. Recently, I started taking Rapatha as well and my numbers are now even lower than they were before. My doctor is impressed and next week we're going to discuss stopping the Zetia.
3.3Patient Review
10/28/2021 I developed intolerable side effects from taking this medication, which caused my cholesterol to drop from 234 to 167. These included: joint and muscle pain and cramping, fatigue, constant chills, a stuffy or runny nose, and a dry hacking cough. I would not recommend this drug to anyone.
3Patient Review
11/24/2021 I quickly developed intolerable side effects from this drug, including pain in my legs and feet, fatigue, and depression. I would strongly recommend against taking this medication.
2.3Patient Review
10/31/2021 I experienced some improvements in my cholesterol and triglyceride numbers after four months of taking this medication. However, I began to experience negative side effects like muscle weakness, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue. Last night was particularly bad as I had significant breathing problems (despite this not being listed as a side effect). I'm going to stop taking the medication.
2.3Patient Review
1/13/2021 After taking zetia for 6 weeks, I developed severe joint pain in both of my knees.
1.7Patient Review
6/6/2022 I tried the Zetia generic for four months and saw some improvements in my cholesterol and triglyceride numbers. However, I began experiencing muscle weakness and fatigue, so my doctor recommended switching to Repatha. We'll see how it goes, but I don't like having to inject myself.
1.3Patient Review
11/8/2022 I'm not convinced this is doing anything for me, and if anything it's made things worse. I've been getting headaches and feeling lightheaded and anxious since starting to take this.
1Patient Review
1/29/2022 This medication caused me to be so incredibly tired that I could barely walk within days of taking it.
1Patient Review
8/21/2020 I have been on zetia for one week and during that time I have experienced the most severe stomach pains with diarrhea and vomiting. The reason I changed med was the statins were damaging my legs and had quite severe pain. I am at a place where I can't?t tolerate either.
1Patient Review
7/27/2022 After starting this medication, I experienced a range of troubling symptoms including extreme fatigue, brain fog, and stomach issues. After doing some research, I realized that these were all potential side effects of the drug. I stopped taking it immediately and am hoping that the symptoms will go away soon.
Patient Q&A Section about zetia
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What are the side effects of Zetia?
"The text says that some of the possible side effects of the medication include diarrhea, back pain, stomach or abdominal pain, numbness or tingly feeling, tired feeling, headache, dizziness, and depressed mood."
Answered by AI
Is Zetia better than statins?
"Ezetimibe is a safe and effective way to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 15-20%. When used in combination with a statin, it can help to lower LDL-C levels by up to 10%."
Answered by AI
Is Zetia considered a statin?
"Zetia does not work in the same way as statin drugs. It belongs to a class of drugs known as cholesterol absorption inhibitors. These drugs prevent your small intestine from being able to absorb cholesterol."
Answered by AI
Is Zetia and Lipitor the same?
"Lipitor and Zetia are two drugs used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Lipitor belongs to the drug class of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, while Zetia is a cholesterol-lowering drug. The two drugs work in different ways to lower cholesterol levels."
Answered by AI