This active drug is also available as a generic medication. However, your doctor will check your cholesterol levels about 4 weeks after you start treatment. Taking Zetia with a statin drug may increase your risk of developing some mild or serious side effects. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a blood flow disorder that causes a sudden spike in heartbeat with no change in blood pressure when going from a horizontal or seated to a standing position. Zetia is approved to treat certain forms of high cholesterol in children ages 10 years and older when used with a low-cholesterol diet. However, you may need to avoid grapefruit if you take Zetia with a statin, another type of cholesterol medication. Zetia (ezetimibe) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of high cholesterol in adults and children. If you need to take these drugs together, take Zetia at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking cholestyramine. If youre sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while youre using Zetia. This is a serious medical condition that, if left untreated, can lead to kidney damage. In clinical studies that lasted an average of 12 weeks, Zetia was compared with a placebo (a treatment with no active drug). muscle pain while taking ezetimibe with a statin. If youre taking Zetia, talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether CoQ10 could be a good supplement for you. Zetia may make warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) less effective at preventing blood clots. Use these discussion points about familial hypercholesterolemia to prepare for your doctors appointment. Total cholesterol consists of: High cholesterol occurs when you have more cholesterol in your blood than your body needs. Nexlizet (bempedoic acid/ezetimibe) is a prescription tablet used to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol in certain people. Watch Part 2 here: https://youtu.be/HPfo2QOa89YHello Friends! Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Zetia with a statin drug. If youre concerned about joint pain while using Zetia, talk with your doctor. Side effects could occur in children who are breastfed by someone taking a statin drug. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you. Zetia is a brand-name prescription drug. (A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.) Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or Zetia will not be as effective. The heartbeat increases with a feeling of the heart fluttering. I read that Zetia should be taken along with a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat. If you think youve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. Twelve weeks of treatment with Zetia and atorvastatin or simvastatin was compared with atorvastatin or simvastatin used alone. What are the more common side effects of Zetia? Zetia is available as a tablet that you take by mouth. 2. What are the serious side effects of Zetia? The causes of POTS are unknown, but the problem is thought to lie in the communication breakdown between the brain and the cardiovascular system. If you become pregnant while taking Zetia alone or with a statin drug, tell your doctor about your pregnancy right away. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Your doctor may stop your Zetia treatment if it isnt safe or effective for you. A clinical study looked at children ages 10 to 17 years old with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). Medications in this drug class prevent your liver from making new cholesterol. How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication. For primary high cholesterol, Zetia is FDA-approved for use in adults and children* to decrease levels of: For this purpose, Zetia is used with a low-cholesterol diet. Youll likely take it once a day. For example, in studies, some people had to stop taking the drug because their liver enzyme levels increased. Read on to find out more about healthy cholesterol levels, and if a cholesterol level of 250 ml/dL is considered, Heart disease is a top cause of death in the U.S. The following information is provided for clinicians and other healthcare professionals. Zetia contains the active drug ezetimibe. The side effects from Zetia .. muscle weakness, joint pain, upper respiratory infectikns resemble the symptoms of malabsorption of Vitamin A,D, E and K. Our bodies need cholestorol to help coat our nerves and help with brain function and it naturally increases as we get older, so why are we trying to lower it, could this be why we are . Fenofibrate is a drug used to lower your triglyceride levels. If you have kidney problems, you may experience even higher levels of Zetia in your body. Lying down on the bed, and raising your legs. 5.8k views Answered >2 years ago. Nausea/Vomiting. Zetia contains the active drug ezetimibe. However, you shouldnt stop taking Zetia without first talking with your doctor. In order to diagnose POTS, your doctor will need to measure your heart rate when you are sitting at rest. POTS is a kind of dysautonomia or autonomic nervous disorder. Zetias mechanism of action is considered complementary to that of statins and fenofibrate. People with this condition have high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. However, you may still experience muscle problems if you use Zetia alone. Its also not known if the drug is safe to take while breastfeeding or whether the drug passes into breast milk. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Zetia and Lipitor are both brand-name drugs. Some may be a better fit for you than others. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about managing your blood pressure or blood sugar while using Zetia. Read more about how inherited high cholesterol affects life expectancy and what makes it different from regular hypercholesterolemia. They can recommend treatments that may help with joint pain, or they may recommend a different treatment option for you. In rare cases, taking Zetia with a statin drug may cause rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown). However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. Talk with your doctor about any liver problems you may have and whether its safe for you to take Zetia. If youre taking Zetia alone, you shouldnt need to take CoQ10. Learn about side effects, costs. Your doctor might suggest one or more of these: fludrocortisone (helps the kidneys retain sodium) midodrine (causes the blood vessels to tighten) beta blockers (slow down the heart rate). As patients we need to be constantly wary because it is increasingly clear that the pharmas have abrogated their responsibility on our behalf. Zetia is contraindicated under the following conditions: Zetia tablets should be stored at a room temperature of 77F (25C) in a tightly sealed container away from light. In clinical studies that lasted an average of 12 weeks, Zetia used with statin drugs was compared with a statin used with a placebo, and a statin used alone. Zetia, Baclofen, and Xanax are not known to cause itching at all, but the Xanax can cause problems with memory which you do describe. To learn how Zetia and the other treatments in the study affected peoples levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and Apo B, see the prescribing information. It wasnt reported during studies of the drug. The autonomic nervous system controls systems like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and temperature control, so people with dysautonomia may experience abnormal changes in blood pressure and heart rate, gastrointestinal issues, lightheadedness, fatigue, chest pain . MS: Can the Mediterranean diet help preserve cognitive health? As with all medications, the cost of Zetia can vary. Risk factors for muscle-related problems. In addition, Zetia may be used with fenofibrate to treat mixed hyperlipidemia. The only FDA-approved dosage of Zetia for children is 10 mg once a day. Zetia reduces the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances on the artery walls (this process is known as atherosclerosis) and if taken long term it may reduce the risk of heart disease. Forget HDL and LDL. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. Learn about side effects, dosage, and more. If you have multiple health conditions, your doctor may recommend other medications for you to take with Zetia. Side effects may be more likely in older adults. This list contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with both Zetia and Crestor (when taken individually). If youre taking a statin drug with Zetia, they may recommend that you take a supplement called coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). This disorder affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions such as body temperature and heart rate. Crossing your legs in front of each other while standing, rocking up and down on your toes. The bottom line: Zetia may cause fewer side effects than statins (though some clinicians might dispute that) but Zetia may cause muscle problems and other adverse reactions. They can both be taken with or without food. And Zetia hasnt been shown to affect blood sugar levels in clinical studies of people with diabetes and people without diabetes. However, 0.3% of people who took Zetia alone experienced joint pain so bothersome that they had to stop treatment. Eating large meals can worsen hypotension in some individuals with dysautonomia (Mathias, 2000). Zetia is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of high cholesterol. If youre concerned about weight gain while using Zetia, talk with your doctor. Here we look at how Zetia and Crestor are alike and different. Theyll guide you on the safest treatment options for you. joint pain *. Dizziness is a rare side effect of taking Zetia. These problems can include muscle pain and muscle weakness, and rarely, muscle breakdown. But some people have reported memory loss, confusion, and forgetfulness while taking a statin drug. Ways to reduce the symptoms. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics. Zetia can be used to treat high cholesterol or homozygous sitosterolemia (a condition that causes high fat levels) in certain people. POTS is a form of "autonomic dysregulation" (a nervous system disorder) in which your heart rate spikes upon standing (among other symptoms). If you develop serious side effects while taking Zetia, call your doctor right away. But it may be a sign that your liver isnt working as well as it should. Talk with your doctor if you experience diarrhea while taking this medication. Last medically reviewed on September 18, 2021. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think youre having a medical emergency. Both Zetia and Lipitor come as tablets that are swallowed. The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. People with this condition have high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides, and low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Clinical studies looked at Zetia for the treatment of primary hyperlipidemia in adults and in children ages 10 years and older. Temporary excursions of 59F to 86F (15C to 30C) are allowed. For more information on the possible side effects of Zetia, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. For more information about the effectiveness of Zetia for lowering your triglycerides, see the Zetia uses section above. Zetia is FDA-approved to treat mixed high cholesterol when used with fenofibrate. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Bethenny Frankel is opening up about her health issue, explaining to her Instagram followers about her battle with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) after receiving comments about . Zetia has a well-documented safety profile. Your doctor may prescribe Zetia with a statin drug. If your liver function tests show increased liver enzymes called transaminases while youre using Zetia with a statin drug, your doctor may stop your treatment. For more information, see the How Zetia works section below. Zetia (ezetimibe) is prescribed to lower high cholesterol in adults and some children, along with a low cholesterol diet. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. No, stopping Zetia shouldnt cause any side effects. 4. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 45,364 people who have side effects when taking Zetia from the FDA, and is updated regularly. To reduce your symptoms in . High cholesterol can raise your risk of heart disease. The manufacturer of Zetia hasnt given birth control recommendations for males using the drug. You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug, or whether certain side effects pertain to it. Muscle-related problems are a possible side effect of Zetia when used with other medications. However, side effects are generally mild and go away as the body adjusts to the medication. Before trying something new, its common to look for written reviews about the experiences of others. Stopping Zetia treatment shouldnt cause any noticeable side effects. If any of the following factors or conditions apply, you may have a higher risk of developing these muscle problems: If you have muscle-related side effects during Zetia treatment, talk with your doctor. unusual tiredness or weakness. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. Zetia is also available in a generic form called ezetimibe. Effects of coenzyme Q10 on statin-induced myopathy: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Zetia. POTS is a form of orthostatic intolerance that is associated with the presence of excessive tachycardia and many other symptoms upon standing. Zetia is meant to be used in combination with a diet thats low in saturated fat and cholesterol. They often originate at the base of the skull and spreading on the back of the head and neck. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Medications in the fibrate drug class may increase the amount of cholesterol thats stored in your gallbladder. Depending on your age or other medical conditions you may have, you may be at higher risk of developing rhabdomyolysis while taking Zetia. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Zetia may also increase the amount of cholesterol thats stored in your gallbladder. For this purpose, Zetia may be used alone or with fenofibrate. * For more information about this side effect, see " Zetia: Side effects explained " below. Within 4 to 12 hours of oral administration, a single 10-mg dose of Zetia reaches peak plasma concentrations of 3.4 to 5.5 ng/mL. As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Zetia. They may be able to help determine whats causing your hair loss. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. Crestor is available in a generic form called rosuvastatin. Its primary metabolic pathway is via hepatic glucuronic conjunction. Cholesterol itself isnt a harmful substance. Both drugs are typically taken once each day. Zetia comes as a tablet that you swallow. stomach pain. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a form of dysautonomia, or a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system. In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. You may be able to find testimonials online from people who take Zetia. Typical symptoms of POTS include: heart palpitations (feeling your heart beating or racing) dizziness or lightheadedness. Qu H, et al. Cholesterol is made naturally in your liver. Before starting a new medication, its a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional about any questions or concerns you may have. These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Lipitor or with both drugs (when taken individually). It's Aimee Esther here! They may suggest foods that can help lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of weight gain. Merck, the manufacturer of Zetia, offers a Patient Assistance Program. When you get Zetia from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. More common side effects in people taking Zetia* include: * In studies, these side effects were reported in people who took Zetia by itself. Grapefruit can prevent the breakdown of these drugs in your body. Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. Ezetimibe is used along with a low cholesterol/low fat diet and exercise to help lower cholesterol in the blood. It can cause mild side effects and, less commonly, serious side effects. Do my other medications increase my risk of side effects with Zetia? Zetia is metabolized in the small intestine and liver. Talk with your doctor to learn more about which medications are right for you. In studies, muscle problems commonly occurred in adults and children who took Zetia with statin drugs. Your risk of developing serious side effects may increase if you take Zetia with other medications to treat high cholesterol, such as statin drugs. For this purpose, Zetia is used with a low-cholesterol diet (but with no other drugs) in adults and in children ages 10 years and older. This makes it difficult to keep an upright posture without abnormal heart-rate (tachycardia) and/or sympathetic activity. However, 0.5% of adults and children who took Zetia with a statin drug experienced muscle pain so bothersome that they had to stop treatment. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. But its not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies of the drug. Energy Drinks, such as Red Bull, should be avoided in those with POTS. If youre using Zetia while sexually active with a female who could become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs. Zetia (ezetimibe) is a prescription drug that treats high cholesterol in adults and children. Its intestinal molecular target is the Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) sterol transporter. You should store Zetia tablets at a room temperature of 77F (25C) in a tightly sealed container away from light. What causes POTS? The side effects of Zetia in children are similar to the side effects in adults. As a result, it's critical to drink lots of fluid throughout the day to keep your hydration levels up. If you no longer need to take Zetia and have leftover medication, its important to dispose of it safely. Examples of bile acid sequestrants include: Zetia inhibits the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and phytosterols, resulting in a decrease in the transport of intestinal cholesterol to the liver. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ezetimibe may cause side effects. This can cause Zetia to be less effective. To determine whether you have high cholesterol, your doctor will do a blood test called a lipid panel. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. Many rare diseases have limited information. 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