Ezetimibe helps lower your cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood.
Excessive cholesterol and triglycerides in your body can clog up your blood vessels. This can lead to many health problems such as stroke and heart disease, including heart attack.
This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a complete cholesterol management programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Ezetimibe may be used for other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Ezetimibe exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Ezetimibe must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- underactive thyroid gland
- kidney disease
- moderate or severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ezetimibe to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, cholesterol levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of problems in the muscle may also be needed.
Ezetime may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, stomach pain, stomach wind, diarrhoea, indigestion, flu-like symptoms, tiredness, rash and itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness
- yellowing of the skin or the eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, swelling in the legs and ankles
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. fenofibrate, gemfibrozil
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, fluindione
- ciclosporin (medicine used for organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ezetimibe.
Do not take this medicine with colestyramine (other cholesterol-lowering medicine). Colestyramine may reduce the effectiveness of Ezetimibe when taken at the same time. If you are taking colestyramine, take this medicine at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after your colestyramine dose.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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