Zetia is an oral medication that reduced the amount of cholesterol absorbed by your body. It should be used alongside lifestyle changes including diet and exercise to help control high cholesterol. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe Zetia along with other cholesterol medications.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and use Zetia exactly as prescribed.

• Zetia is typically taken once daily, with or without food.
• Take at the same time each day, and combine with a diet and exercise program to help lower cholesterol.

Do not take Zetia with:

• Welchol (colesevelam)
• Prevalite, Questran (cholestyramine)
• Colestid (colestipol)

Take Zetia 4 hours after or 2 hours before the following medication:

• Any statin drug (Lipitor, Zocor, Pravachol, Lescol, Mevacor)
• Fenofibrate (Antara, Lipofen, Lofibra, TriCor, Triglide)

Before taking Zetia, inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• Liver or kidney disease
• Thyroid problems
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• You take steroid or hormone drugs (including birth control)

Common side effects of Zetia include:

• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Upper respiratory infection of sinus infection
• Flu-like symptoms

Serious side effects include:

• Allergic reaction including hives, difficulty breathing, skin rash
• Muscle weakness or pain
• Extreme fatigue
• Liver problems
• Pancreatitis

What if I miss a dose of Zetia?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it’s almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Never take a double dose at one time to make up for mixed doses.

Why should I change my diet and exercise while taking Zetia?

Lifestyle changes can help lower cholesterol, and will work together with Zetia to more significantly improve your blood cholesterol levels.