Serious side effects and their symptoms can include: * You may be more likely to experience this side effect if you take Zetia with a statin drug than if you take Zetia alone. The manufacturer of Zetia hasnt given birth control recommendations for males using the drug. For this purpose, Zetia may be used alone or with fenofibrate. It isnt safe to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while using statins. You may experience muscle problems as a side effect of Zetia. Zetia can also be used with statin drugs in adults. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. Treatment is targeted at relieving low blood volume or regulating circulatory problems that may cause the disorder. Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include: If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you use Zetia and warfarin together, your doctor may want to monitor you more closely during your treatment. Statins, another medication for high cholesterol, are known to cause muscle-related side effects. A clinical study looked at children ages 10 to 17 years old with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). weakness and fatigue (tiredness) headaches. stuffy nose. Your child can take Zetia with or without food. Zetia belongs to a class of drugs called cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Zetia can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. It may take about 2 weeks for your cholesterol levels to improve after you start taking Zetia. The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The heart beats faster to pump it up to the brain, but with little success. Also, tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this drug. I take pravastatin 80mg with absolutely no problem. Another is trouble standing up, primarily because not enough blood returns to the heart upon standing, which causes a rapid increase in heart rate called tachycardia. Zetia is also available in a generic form called ezetimibe. Absorption isnt affected by food. Zetia contains the active drug ezetimibe. Zetia can cause mild or serious side effects. Short term Zetia side effects include mild fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea and headache. Learn about side effects, dosage, uses, interactions, and more. Statin drugs arent safe to use during pregnancy. Fenofibrate is a drug used to lower your triglyceride levels. Ezetimibe may be used alone or with other drugs (such as "statins" or . Talk with your doctor about the risks of taking Zetia with warfarin. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a blood circulation disorder characterized by two factors: A specific group of symptoms that frequently occur when standing upright. Zetia hasnt been studied in certain types of dyslipidemia, including Frederickson types I, III, IV, and V. Zetia is taken orally with or without food. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. But over time, heavy alcohol use can damage your liver. If youve noticed memory problems while taking Zetia, talk with your doctor. Phil Fischer, M.D., medical director of Mayo Clinic's children's hospital and a POTS specialist, led . Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Currently, no medications have been approved by the FDA to treat POTS. However, if youre taking Zetia with a statin drug, youll need to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Any time youre considering taking a supplement, its important to discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. In order to diagnose POTS, your doctor will need to measure your heart rate when you are sitting at rest. If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. The manufacturer of Zetia hasnt stated whether the tablets can be crushed, split, or chewed. Learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects it can cause and how to manage them. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. If you have any questions about eating certain foods while taking Zetia, talk with your doctor. Off-label use is when a drug thats approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition. Stomach pains were gone after second day. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. Phase IV trials are used to detect adverse drug . * To learn more about this side effect, see the Side effects explained section below. Clinical studies for ezetimibe did not note any difference in weight in those that took the drug versus those that did not. POTS is commonly associated with low levels of fluid. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Causes of postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) It's not clear what causes postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS). If you have high cholesterol with hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes, youll likely have to take other drugs with Zetia to treat these conditions. The most common side effects of Zetia include: muscle or joint pain, Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. If you miss a dose of Zetia, you can take your missed dose as soon as you remember. Here we look at how Zetia and Lipitor are alike and different. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. High cholesterol can raise your risk of heart disease. 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. These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Lipitor or with both drugs (when taken individually). You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. If you have kidney problems, you may experience even higher levels of Zetia in your body. If you have joint pain while taking Zetia, you may also experience swelling, redness, or weakness in your joints. When this happens, more cholesterol can then be cleared from your blood by your liver. Zetias mechanism of action is considered complementary to that of statins and fenofibrate. If left untreated, it can cause your kidneys to stop working properly. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. For more information about how the drug is used, see the Zetia uses section below. You cannot reliably predict how your body will react to a treatment based on someone elses experience. The causes of POTS are unknown, but the problem is thought to lie in the communication breakdown between the brain and the cardiovascular system. It belongs to a class of drugs called cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above. Zetia is approved to treat different types of high cholesterol. They may be able to help determine whats causing your hair loss. Zetia is a brand-name drug that contains the active drug ezetimibe. These include: Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Zetia, see the Zetia side effects section above. Zetia is primarily cleared from the body through fecal excretion. For most people, CoQ10 isnt a harmful or dangerous supplement. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Zetia. Grapefruit can prevent the breakdown of statins in your body, which can raise your levels of these drugs and increase your risk of side effects. . Your doctor may do liver function tests before you start treatment and regularly during your Zetia treatment. Zetia is approved to treat certain forms of high cholesterol in adults when used with a low-cholesterol diet. To reduce your symptoms in . For more information, see the Precautions section below. Before approving coverage for Zetia, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. You can take Zetia at any time during the day, but try to take your dose around the same time each day. Zetia, Baclofen, and Xanax are not known to cause itching at all, but the Xanax can cause problems with memory which you do describe. Mild side effects of Zetia when taken with a statin (another kind of cholesterol -lowering drug) may include: infection, such as a respiratory . Zetia can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. You likely wont notice Zetia working in your body. Specific statins that were studied included atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), and lovastatin. If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Zetia, they may have you switch to a different treatment. In studies, weight changes didnt occur in people who took the drug. In the studies, total cholesterol levels: To learn how Zetia and the placebo affected peoples levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and Apo B, see the prescribing information. Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or Zetia will not be as effective. You can use the study as a second opinion to make health care decisions. Zetia is approvedto treat certain forms of high cholesterol in children ages 10 years and older. Lying down on the bed, and raising your legs. No, clinical studies havent shown Zetia to affect blood pressure. You may also have muscle cramps, spasms, or stiffness. In fact, researchers have looked into using Zetia to treat hair loss due to a condition called alopecia areata. Learn more about some of the side effects that Zetia may cause. Nausea/Vomiting. Medications in this class prevent your small intestine from absorbing cholesterol. Crestor contains the active drug rosuvastatin. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you choose one that doesnt have extra ingredients that you dont need. Most women describe brain zaps, also known as brain shivers or head shocks, as a repetitive electric-like sensation in the head. The heartbeat increases with a feeling of the heart fluttering. 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. Before starting a new medication, its a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional about any questions or concerns you may have. Zetia (ezetimibe) is prescribed to lower high cholesterol in adults and some children, along with a low cholesterol diet. If youre using Zetia while sexually active with a female who could become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs. 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. Or they may recommend that you stop taking the medication. Some people with POTS also may have one or more . Cholesterol can also be found in foods such as eggs, cheese, and meat. Crossing your legs in front of each other while standing, rocking up and down on your toes. Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat primary high cholesterol include: Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat mixed high cholesterol include: Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia include: Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat homozygous sitosterolemia include: You may wonder how Zetia compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. But keep in mind that Zetia is used to reduce cholesterol levels in your blood. If your doctor has prescribed Zetia and youre interested in using ezetimibe instead, talk with your doctor. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Zetia. Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Tell your doctor if youre experiencing bothersome side effects from Zetia. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk to your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it. This includes grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Less commonly, taking Zetia may lead to serious side effects. The children took Zetia and simvastatin or simvastatin alone. If you no longer need to take Zetia and have leftover medication, its important to dispose of it safely. See the Mild side effects and Serious side effects sections above for more information. Study on Ezetimibe Yielded Disappointing Results: Another reader wrote us shortly after learning of the results of a study that raised questions about ezetimibe: Q. If youve had an allergic reaction to Zetia or any of its ingredients, you should not take Zetia. If you and your doctor decide that Zetia treatment isnt right for you, you simply wont take any more doses. Lipitor is part of the statin drug class. These conditions can raise your risk of muscle problems while taking Zetia. This in turn increases clearance of cholesterol from the blood. This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. Brain fog. Total cholesterol levels were reduced by an average of: LDL (bad) cholesterol levels were reduced by an average of: Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is a rare genetic condition caused by a mutation (change) in the genes that control how cholesterol is cleared from your body. Stopping Zetia treatment shouldnt cause any noticeable side effects. Zetia has a well-documented safety profile. Zetia may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. However, skip your missed dose if its almost time for your next dose. These drugs havent been directly compared in clinical studies. In clinical studies that lasted 8 weeks, Zetia was compared with a placebo (a treatment with no active drug). This is a serious medical condition that, if left untreated, can lead to kidney damage. The actual price youll pay for any of these drugs depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. This is because fenofibrate is the only fibrate Zetia was studied with, so it isnt known whether Zetia and other fibrate drugs are safe to use together. Inability to speak. (Fenofibrate is a drug used to lower your triglyceride levels.). (2018). Using Zetia for high cholesterol. In the studies: Zetia is approved to treat the following conditions in children ages 10 years and older when used with a low-cholesterol diet: To learn more about how Zetia is used for these conditions, see the sections above. If you have questions about the differences between Zetia and statin drugs, talk with your doctor. It isnt known how often this side effect occurred with Zetia in clinical studies. Youll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one or the other. Zetia is metabolized in the small intestine and liver. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. This is because every persons body responds differently to medications. Both Zetia and Crestor come as tablets that are swallowed. Sometimes doctors will recommend taking both a statin medication and Zetia for high cholesterol. The side effects of Zetia in children are similar to the side effects in adults. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. 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 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. Ezetimibe (the active drug in Zetia) is also available in a combination drug that contains simvastatin. Taking Zetia with a statin drug may increase your risk of developing some mild or serious side effects. Learn about alternatives like new drugs, A new class of self-injectable medications are showing promise in treating high cholesterol. The generic form of Zetia costs about the same as the generic form of Lipitor. These symptoms can be signs of an infection. If you drink alcohol and have questions about drinking it during Zetia treatment, talk with your doctor. 2004-2023 Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or Zetia will not be as safe and as. To avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, are known to muscle-related. Ezetimibe may be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise a. It during Zetia treatment shouldnt cause any noticeable side effects other than the ones listed.. 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