A problem that many people have these days is the increase in cholesterol levels in the body. Has your doctor also told you that your cholesterol is a little high and that you should start taking medication while controlling it through diet and exercise? Ezetimibe is a commonly prescribed and used medication. So if you are a user of this medication, or if someone in your family has been prescribed it, let's talk about this medication in a little more detail and simply today.
What kind of medicine is Ezetimibe?
Simply put, Ezetimibe is a medicine that lowers the cholesterol level in your blood. Now you might be wondering how this lowers cholesterol. It's very simple. Most of the cholesterol we absorb into our bodies comes from the food we eat. What this Ezetimibe pill does is reduce the absorption of this cholesterol from your intestines .
When the amount of cholesterol absorbed into the body decreases in this way, the level of bad cholesterol in the blood decreases. In medical terms, we call this bad cholesterol LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) . Reducing this LDL level is very good for heart health.
But remember one thing. You cannot control your cholesterol by taking this medicine alone. Along with this, you must definitely eat a good, balanced diet and exercise daily . The best results can be achieved only when all three are combined.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before prescribing Ezetimibe to you, your doctor will ask you a few questions. However, it is important for you to inform your doctor about these issues as well, as this medication may not be suitable for everyone.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Liver disease | Since this medication works primarily on the liver, it is very important to tell your doctor if you have any liver conditions. |
| Kidney disease | If you have low kidney function, your medication dosage may need to be adjusted. So talk about this as well. |
| Muscle pain/injury | Sometimes this medicine can cause muscle pain. If you already have such a problem, it is important to let your doctor know. |
| Thyroid problems (Thyroid disease) | Since thyroid hormone imbalances can affect cholesterol levels, tell your doctor about this as well. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | If you have an allergy to Ezetimibe or any other substance, be sure to tell your doctor. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This is very important. Taking this medicine during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects in the baby. So talk to your doctor about this openly. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | Consult your doctor about whether it is appropriate to take this medicine while breastfeeding. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
- Follow medical advice:Always take the dose and the way your doctor prescribes it. Read the instructions on the medicine label carefully.
- Take it at the same time: If possible, try to take this medicine at the same time every day. This will make it less likely that you will forget to take the medicine and will help maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your body.
- With or without food: This pill can be taken before, with, or after food. Some people may experience mild stomach upset if taken without food. If this happens, take it with food.
- Don't stop: Don't stop taking your medication until your doctor tells you to. Even if you feel better and your cholesterol levels are under control, stopping the medication without medical advice can cause your cholesterol to rise again.
Something to pay special attention to
There is another type of medication sometimes prescribed to lower cholesterol called `` Bile Acid Sequestrants''. If you are taking another medication like this, be sure to ask your doctor about when to take the Ezetimibe pill. Usually, it is said to take the Ezetimibe pill either 2 hours before or 4 hours after the other medication.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you accidentally take too many pills, do not panic and go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for immediate advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
Let's say you forgot to take your pill this morning. If you remember during the day, take it at that time. But if it's late at night and it's almost time to take your pill the next morning, skip the missed pill and take your next pill the next morning. Never take two pills at once.
What other interactions may occur with this medicine?
Ezetimibe can interact with some other medications and herbal products. Therefore, it is safest to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Type of medicine | Things to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should not be taken with Ezetimibe | |
| Fenofibrate | This is also a cholesterol-lowering drug. Taking these two together may increase side effects. |
| Gemfibrozil | This is also a different class of cholesterol-lowering drugs. Taking these together increases the risk of serious muscle-related problems. |
| Things to use with caution and inform your doctor about | |
| Antacids (liquids/tablets for gastritis) | These can reduce the absorption of ezetimibe into the body. Ask your doctor about spacing out the times you take them. |
| Cyclosporine | This is a medicine used to prevent organ transplant rejection. Special care is needed when taking Ezetimibe with this. |
| Red yeast rice | This is a natural cholesterol-lowering supplement, but taking it with Ezetimibe may increase the risk of side effects. |
| Other cholesterol-lowering medications | Your doctor should be aware of all cholesterol medications you are taking. |
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, Ezetimibe can cause minor side effects in some people. But most people don't. Let's take a look at what these side effects are and what we should do about them.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions |
|
| Severe muscle pain | Sudden, unexplained muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | This may occur in some people when they first start taking the medication. |
| Joint pain | Joint pain. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Ezetimibe is a medication that reduces the absorption of cholesterol from your intestines and lowers the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) in your blood.
- To get the best results from this medicine, it should be used in conjunction with a good diet and exercise .
- Before starting the medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any liver or kidney disease, muscle pain, allergies, and especially if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant .
- If you experience sudden muscle pain, do not ignore it. Seek medical advice immediately.
- The medicine your doctor has prescribed is for you only. Never share this medicine with others.
- If you have any questions or concerns about the medication, discuss it with your doctor and resolve it.
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