Zetia: Cholesterol Reduction in a Pill

There is no question that high cholesterol leads to coronary artery disease and, therefore, can lead to more severe cardiac events such as stroke and heart attacks. When diagnosed with high cholesterol, the physician will recommend a low fat diet, exercise program and often the use of medications. When considering these options, including the use of medications to lower cholesterol, inquire as to the use of the cholesterol reducing pill, Zetia. With appropriate dosing, monitoring of contraindications and knowledge of side effects, Zetia is a cholesterol reducing product which can be used alone or in combination with other forms of cholesterol reducing medications.

Zetia, a product of Schering-Plough and Merck, can be prescribed as a stand alone product in the fight against high cholesterol or can be used in combination with other cholesterol reducing drugs. Unlike most cholesterol reducing drugs, Zetia does not function as a statin reducer. Instead, Zetia impacts the digestive tract by preventing the breakdown and storage of cholesterol from the foods we consume. Used in combination with statin cholesterol reducing drugs, Zetia can significantly reduce cholesterol levels. In fact, studies have shown, Zetia, when used in combination with a statin reducer, cholesterol levels are reduced by up to 36 points.

Dosing of Zetia is simple and requires one pill a day. While benefits may take several weeks or months to be exhibited, Zetia is a great addition to a cholesterol reduction diet and medical program. When a dose is missed, the tablet should be taken as soon as you remember unless the next dosing period has arrived. If so, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled tablet. It’s that simple!

Zetia, in the treatment of high cholesterol, does not come without side effects. These side effects will usually dissipate over the course of treatment and may include diarrhea, abdominal pain and fatigue. While symptoms are bothersome, the benefits of continuing the use of Zetia far outweigh the inconvenience of the relatively minor side effects. If symptoms are more severe, consult your physician immediately. As with most cholesterol reducing drugs, Zetia is a Category C drug meaning the cause and effect of the medication, on pregnancy and the developing fetus, are unknown. As a result, this cholesterol reducing drug should not be used during pregnancy.

As with most cholesterol reducing medications, Zetia may be contraindicated with other health conditions and medications including individuals with current or prior liver disorder and those with other abnormal laboratory blood work. With Zetia’s primary focus aimed to work against the accumulation of cholesterol from the food we ingest, the risks, contraindications and any pre-existing health history should be discussed with your physician.

As with any preventable disease, eating a diet low in fat and exercising often will work to ensure the offset of high cholesterol. When diagnosed with a high cholesterol condition, discuss all prescription medication treatment options including statins and digestive medications, such as Zetia, with your physician. Used in combination with diet and exercise, over several months, Zetia can lead to a significant reduction in cholesterol levels.