It may be used alone or in combination with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin). Ezetimibe is in a class of medications called cholesterol-lowering medications. It works by preventing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine..
Simply so, is Ezetimibe a fibrate?
Efficacy, safety and tolerably are the ideal characteristics of a second drug to complement either statins or fibrates as the first-line treatment options for dyslipidemia in diabetic patients [7,11]. Ezetimibe is a hypocholesterolemic drug that selectively inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption.
Furthermore, is ezetimibe better than statins? Ezetimibe is a non-statin lipid-lowering medication that inhibits absorption of dietary cholesterol by blocking the Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 protein (NPC1L1). Ezetimibe lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 15-20% when used alone2 as compared to 5-10% from doubling the dose of statin.
Also Know, what is ezetimibe made from?
Intestinal cholesterol is derived primarily from cholesterol secreted in the bile and from dietary cholesterol. Ezetimibe has a mechanism of action that differs from those of other classes of cholesterol-reducing compounds (statins, bile acid sequestrants [resins], fibric acid derivatives, and plant stanols).
Is ezetimibe and Zetia the same?
Zetia is the brand name for ezetimibe, a drug that lowers LDL cholesterol levels by reducing cholesterol absorption in the small intestine. Zetia is often prescribed along with a low-fat diet. It may be used by itself or in conjunction with a statin to reduce cholesterol.
Related Question Answers
Does ezetimibe cause hair loss?
Case reports: alopecia universalis: hair growth following initiation of simvastatin and ezetimibe therapy. Its most extreme form, alopecia universalis, is the total loss of all scalp and body hair. This form of the condition is very resistant to treatment and spontaneous remission is quite rare.Does ezetimibe cause memory loss?
Conclusions: The memory-restorative effect of ezetimibe can be attributed to its cholesterol-dependent as well as cholesterol-independent effects. The study highlights the potential of ezetimibe in memory dysfunctions associated with dementia of AD.Does ezetimibe make you tired?
Zetia may interact with cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam, gemfibrozil, cyclosporine, or blood thinners.
Combination with a Statin.
| Body System/Organ Class Adverse Reaction | All Statins* (%) n=9361 | ZETIA + All Statins* (%) n = 11,308 |
| Fatigue | 1.6 | 2.0 |
Can I eat grapefruit while taking ezetimibe?
Grapefruit may interact with ezetimibe and simvastatin and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products. Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or ezetimibe and simvastatin will not be as effective.What food interacts with ezetimibe?
Atorvastatin-ezetimibe Interactions. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with this medicine and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking atorvastatin and ezetimibe. Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol.Which cholesterol drug is safest?
Still, all in all, the statins are the safest and best tolerated of all cholesterol-lowering medications. Although most patients respond well to statin therapy, some don't.Does ezetimibe affect blood sugar?
EZETIMIBE DOES NOT INCREASE FASTING GLUCOSE LEVELS MORE THAN STATINS ALONE IN NON-DIABETIC, HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC PATIENTS.Can you cut ezetimibe in half?
Splitting a 10-mg ezetimibe tablet yields a 5-mg dose that appears to be clinically equivalent to the 10-mg dose. Tablet splitting has been successfully implemented to reduce the cost of lipid-lowering therapy. Splitting of ezetimibe tablets is feasible and can result in billions of dollars of savings annually.Can you take ezetimibe at night?
Ezetimibe is usually taken once daily. Take the medicine at the same time each day. Ezetimibe may be taken at the same time with fenofibrate, or with a statin medication such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, or fluvastatin. Some cholesterol medications should not be taken at the same time.How safe is ezetimibe?
The IMPROVE-IT trial has demonstrated that ezetimibe significantly reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events in a group of high-risk patients with known cardiovascular disease and already low LDL-C levels, with an absolute risk reduction of 2%. Ezetimibe is safe to use and well tolerated.Does ezetimibe lower blood pressure?
Studies have found that Zetia has been very effective in lowering cholesterol in such people, but that in order to prevent heart disease, management of other risk factors (losing weight, managing high blood pressure and diabetes, etc.) is also important.Can you stop taking ezetimibe?
Do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to. Ezetimibe and simvastatin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control.What happens if you stop taking ezetimibe?
If you stop taking the drug or don't take it at all: Your cholesterol level may rise. If your cholesterol is high and not controlled for a long time, you can have narrowing of the arteries. This may lead to a heart attack or stroke.Does ezetimibe affect the liver?
Ezetimibe is the first lipid-lowering drug that inhibits intestinal uptake of dietary and biliary cholesterol. Randomized clinical trials showed that ezetimibe caused significant liver function abnormalities in 1% of the treatment group. These changes were asymptomatic and entirely reversible.How long does ezetimibe take to work?
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel sick. It may take up to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.Is Zetia safer than a statin?
The companies' principle marketing claim for Zetia has been improved safety over other cholesterol lowering drugs, particularly the statins, but with no actual proof that safety is, in fact, improved.What is ezetimibe generic for?
Ezetimibe (Zetia) is an expensive drug used to lower blood cholesterol for patients who are at risk of getting heart disease or a stroke. It is only for patients whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet. This drug is more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in generic and brand versions.Can I refuse to take statins?
Before you refuse to take a statin or stop taking a statin, consult your doctor. He or she can explain why you may benefit from the drug or help you find a different statin if you experience side effects.Can statins cause depression?
Depression is not a commonly seen side effect with statins or any other cholesterol-lowering drugs. However, other drugs used to treat cardiac conditions, such as beta blockers, can aggravate depression. 
