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Zetia - Cholesterol Lowering Drug
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Zetia is a new kind of
cholesterol-lowering
drug. The older
cholesterol-lowering
drugs called "statins"
reduce cholesterol by
interfering with its
production in the body.
Zetia acts by
diminishing the
absorption of diays, the Zetia/statin
combination has a
greater impact than
either drug alone.
Cholesterol--especially
"bad" LDL
cholesterol--promotes
clogged arteries,
increasing the risk of
heart attack and stroke.
"Good" HDL cholesterol
helps to prevent clogged
arteries. Zetia lowers
the bad cholesterol and
raises the good. It also
lowers total cholesterol
readings and reduces
levels of triglycerides
(fats in the blood).
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Most important facts about Zetia
Doctors usually prescribe
cholesterol-lowering drugs only
after changes in lifestyle have
failed to bring cholesterol down to
a healthy level. These changes
include following a diet low in fat
and cholesterol and high in fiber,
shedding excess weight, and getting
more exercise. It's important to
remember that drug therapy is a
supplement to--not a substitute
for--these other measures. To get
the full benefit of the medication,
you need to stick to the diet and
exercise program recommended by your
doctor.
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How to take Zeta ?
You can take Zetia with or without
food. If the doctor has also
prescribed a statin drug, you can
take Zetia at the same time. If you
are also taking Colestid, Questran,
or WelChol, take Zetia at least 2
hours before or 4 hours after taking
the other medication.
--If you miss a dose of Zetia...
Take the forgotten Zetia dose as soon as
you remember. However, if it is
almost time for your next dose, skip
the one you missed and return to
your regular schedule. Do not take
two dosesof Zetia at once.
--Storage instructions for Zetia...
Store Zetia at room temperature. Protect Zetia
from moisture.
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Side Effects of Zetia
Side effects of Zetia cannot be anticipated.
If any develop or change in
intensity, tell your doctor as soon
as possible. Only your doctor can
determine if it is safe to continue
using Zetia.
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More common side effects of Zetia may include:
Abdominal pain, back pain,
diarrhea, joint pain, sinusitis
Other side effects that occur when
Zetia is taken with a statin drug
include chest pain, dizziness,
headache, muscle pain, and upper
respiratory infection.Certain allergic reactions such as
hives have also occurred.
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Possible food and drug interactions
Do not combine Zetia with the
cholesterol-lowering drugs called
fibrates, including Lopid and Tricor.
Check with your doctor before
combining Zetia with cyclosporine (Neoral,
Sandimmune).
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Special information if you are
pregnant or breast feeding
Zetia should be taken during
pregnancy only if its benefits
outweigh the potential risk to the
baby. If you are pregnant or
planning to become pregnant, check
with your doctor immediately.
Statin drugs pose a definite risk to
the baby, so you should never add a
statin drug to Zetia therapy during
pregnancy.
It's not known whether Zetia makes
its way into breast milk. The drug
is recommended only if its benefits
are thought to outweigh the
potential risks
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Zetia |
Prices |
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Zetia 10 mg (24 capsules) |
$30.00 |
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Zetia 10 mg (48 capsules) |
$48.00 |
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Zetia
10 mg (96 capsules) |
$91.20 |
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