Save Up To 80% On Your Prescriptions
Zetia, also called Ezetrol, belongs to a group of medications known as cholesterol absorption inhibitors, which lower cholesterol levels by decreasing the body’s ability to absorb cholesterol from the digestive system. Zetia lowers cholesterol in a different way than statins, which work mainly with the liver to help lower LDL, or bad cholesterol, Zetia helps block the absorption of cholesterol from the food you eat. Lowering cholesterol reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other heart-related health problems. Zetia is available in a 10-milligram oral tablet.
Drugs similar to Zetia include:
Doctors prescribe Zetia to patients who cannot control cholesterol levels with diet and exercise alone. While lifestyle changes can help improve cholesterol levels, drug therapy may be a necessary next step. Zetia may be prescribed not only to people who have high cholesterol but also those who have other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure in order to reduce the risk of more dangerous health events such as heart attack and stroke.
Zetia is used to treat hyperlipidemia, also known as high cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood. It is essential for healthy cell membranes, hormone production, and vitamin storage. A person’s total cholesterol is made up of LDL and HDL cholesterol.
This is known as bad cholesterol because it can build up in artery walls and form plaque. Plaque can eventually narrow arteries, which can slow or block blood flow.
This is known as good cholesterol because it prevents LDL cholesterol from accumulating in your arteries.
Several environmental and genetic factors can lead to hyperlipidemia.
These include:
Without treatment, high cholesterol can increase your risk for dangerous cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke. Zetia does not cure hyperlipidemia, but it helps manage cholesterol levels so you can live a healthier life with fewer hyperlipidemia-related risks.
As with all prescription drugs, there are potential side effects when it comes to taking Zetia.
Unexplained muscle pain or weakness could be a sign of a rare but serious side effect and should be reported to your doctor right away.