Zetia

Generic name: Ezetimibe

Why is Zetia prescribed?

Zetia is a new kind of cholesterol-lowering drug. The older cholesterol-lowering drugs called "statins" reduce cholesterol by interfering with its production in the body. Zetia acts by diminishing the absorption of dietary cholesterol through the intestines.

Zetia may be taken alone or with a statin drug. Because the two drugs fight cholesterol in different ways, the Zetia/statin combination has a greater impact than either drug alone.

Cholesterol—especially "bad" LDL cholesterol—promotes clogged arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. "Good" HDL cholesterol helps to prevent clogged arteries. Zetia lowers the bad cholesterol and raises the good. It also lowers total cholesterol readings and reduces levels of triglycerides (fats in the blood).

Cholesterol-lowering drugs are typically prescribed for people who either have heart disease or are in danger of developing it. For people at high risk of heart disease, current guidelines call for considering drug therapy when LDL levels reach 130. For people at lower risk, the cut-off is 160. For those at little or no risk, it's 190.

Most important fact about Zetia

Doctors usually prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs only after changes in lifestyle have failed to bring cholesterol down to a healthy level. These changes include following a diet low in fat and cholesterol and high in fiber, shedding excess weight, and getting more exercise. It's important to remember that drug therapy is a supplement to—not a substitute for—these other measures. To get the full benefit of the medication, you need to stick to the diet and exercise program recommended by your doctor.

How should you take Zetia?

You can take Zetia with or without food. If the doctor has also prescribed a statin drug, you can take Zetia at the same time. If you are also taking colestipol, cholestyramine, or colesevelam, take Zetia at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking the other medication.