Zetia is a medicine used to lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood. It is used for patients who cannot control their cholesterol levels by diet alone. It can be used by itself or with certain other medicines to treat high cholesterol. 

You should stay on a cholesterol-lowering diet while taking this medicine. Zetia works by reducing the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs. Zetia does not help you lose weight. 

Who should not take Zetia?

Do not take Zetia if you are allergic to ezetimibe, the active ingredient in Zetia, or to any of the inactive ingredients in Zetia. 

Do not take Zetia with other cholesterol-lowering medicines called statins if you have active liver disease. 

What should I tell my health care provider?

Tell your doctor if you: 

• have or had liver problems 
• are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding 

Tell your health care provider about all your medical conditions. Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may affect how Zetia works, or Zetia may affect how your other medicines work. 

What are some possible side effects of Zetia? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Zetia. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)   

Side effects include: 

• stomach pain 
• tiredness 

For more detailed information about Zetia, ask your health care provider or pharmacist.

Date Posted: 1/3/03