Ezetimibe helps lower your cholesterol level.
Excessive cholesterol in your body can clog up your blood vessels. This can lead to many health problems such as stroke and heart diseases, including heart attack.
Ezetimibe is meant to be taken as part of a complete cholesterol management programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle.
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 Ezetimibe 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 Ezetimibe even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Ezetimibe unless instructed by your 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.
Do not take Ezetimibe together with a statin (another cholesterol-lowering medicine e.g. simvastatin) if you are pregnant, planning to have a baby soon or breastfeeding, as statin may cause harm to your child.
Do not take Ezetimibe together with a statin if you have liver disease.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience muscle pain, weakness or tenderness especially if it is accompanied by fever or general body discomfort.
Common side effects of Ezetimibe include any of the following: stomach pain or wind, diarrhoea, and tiredness.
Ezetimibe taken together with a statin may cause headache and dizziness. If you feel dizzy, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Some side effects may be serious, although they are rare. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- persistent muscle or joint pain, muscle cramps, numbness or weakness
- yellowing of the skin or the eyes
- brown or dark-coloured urine
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:
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- other cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. simvastatin, fenofibrate
- ciclosporin (a medicine used for organ transplant and rheumatoid illness)
Ezetimibe should not be taken at the same time as cholestyramine. Cholestyramine reduces the effectiveness of Ezetimibe when taken at the same time. If you are taking cholestyramine, take Ezetimibe at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking cholestyramine.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ezetimibe.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
