What is Ezetimibe?
Ezetimibe tablets are a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Ezetimibe tablets belongs to a class of drugs known as cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Ezetimibe works by reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the body from the diet.
How does Ezetimibe work?
The cholesterol in our bodies are both good and bad; “good” cholesterol is known as HDL cholesterol, while “bad” cholesterol is known as LDL cholesterol. The active ingredient in Ezetimibe not only reduces the bad cholesterol (plus fatty substances called triglycerides), but it also increases the levels of good cholesterol. This is done by preventing the absorption in your digestive tract, however it does not help you lose weight. I
Ezetimibe is often used in conjunction with another kind of cholesterol-lowering medicine called statins, as it can increase their effectiveness.
Is Ezetimibe a Statin?
No, Ezetimibe is not a statin. While statins are also commonly used to lower cholesterol, Ezetimibe works through a different mechanism of action. Statins inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a role in cholesterol production in the liver. In contrast, Ezetimibe reduces cholesterol absorption in the small intestine.
What are the benefits of taking Ezetimibe?
LDL cholesterol is known as “bad” cholesterol because it can form plaque and build up in the walls of your arteries. Eventually, this build-up will become a narrowing, which can lead to other health problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke.
HDL cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol because it works to counteract the LDL cholesterol; protecting against plaque build-up and protecting your heart and other vital organs.
If a healthy diet alone hasn’t helped your cholesterol levels, taking Ezetimibe will get this back to a normal amount.
How do I use Ezetimibe Tablets?
Ezetimibe is a prescription-only medication. Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the patient information leaflet provided in the medication packet.
The typical starting dosage for Ezetimibe tablets is 10mg daily, taken at any time of the day. Ezetimibe tablets can be taken with or without food. Tablets should be taken whole and swallowed with a glass of water.
What Dosage Do Ezetimibe Tablets Come In?
At Meds for Less Ezetimibe 10mg tablets are available, they contain the active ingredient ezetimibe, at a strength of 10mg per tablet.
If you forget to take your Ezetimibe tablet then you should skip the forgotten dose and move straight onto the next one. Don’t worry but don’t double up on your dose to make up for a missed one.
If you take more Ezetimibe than you should, then contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effects from Ezetimibe?
Before taking Ezetimibe, you should always first consult your doctor. You should not take Ezetimibe if any of the following apply to you:
i) you are allergic (hypersensitive) to ezetimibe or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
ii) If you are also taking a statin and have liver problems
iii) If you are also taking a statin and are pregnant or breastfeeding
Your prescription of Ezetimibe may also be affected by a number of other factors, so you should make your doctor aware if any of the following apply:
i) If you have any medical conditions or allergies
ii) If you are also taking a statin
iii) If you have moderate or severe liver problems
iv) If you are taking fibrates.
Like many medications with active ingredients, Ezetimibe can affect or be affected by other medicines. Particular medications that you may experience this with include the following:
i) ciclosporin (often used in organ transplant patients)
ii) medicines with an active ingredient to prevent blood clots, such as warfarin
iii) cholestyramine (also used to lower cholesterol)
iv) fibrates (also used to lower cholesterol)
The most common side effects of using Ezetimibe include:
i) abdominal pain
ii) Diarrhoea
iii) Flatulence
iv) feeling tired
v) elevations in some laboratory blood tests of liver function
vi) Headache
vii) muscle pain, tenderness or weakness
If you do experience one or more of these side effects and they persist or worsen, then inform your doctor right away. You should also contact your doctor if you notice any serious side effects.
How do I buy Ezetimibe online?
You can safely buy Ezetimibe online at Meds For Less. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Ezetimibe is the right medication for your medical condition.
Where Can I Find More Information About Ezetimibe?
If you want to read more about Ezetimibe tablets, you could look at,
NICE/BNF website: Ezetimibe BNF
