Uses of undefined

Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor. It reduces the cholesterol stored in the intestine by absorption of cholesterol. So, LDL cholesterol, which is considered bad cholesterol, gets reduced. The total amount of cholesterol in the blood and vessels decreases, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Solifenacin succinate is a prescription medicine available as a 10mg tablet. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

It is better to inform your doctor about the history of the medication you are taking along with this medication. The most common side effects of this medication include joint pain and diarrhea. Inform your doctor about any previous history of kidney and liver problems because this medicine is used with caution in those patients. This medication should not be given to pregnant women or women who are planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding mothers.

Precautions

Cholesterol levels should be checked regularly. Along with the medication, patients are asked to follow good eating habits, exercise regularly, avoid too many oil food items, avoid smoking habits and alcohol, and reduce weight, which can balance their cholesterol level and increase the effectiveness of the medication.

Side Effects

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Ezetimibe are fever, dizziness, headache, muscle pain, running nose, sore throat and tiredness. Some serious side effects also include liver damage, severe muscle weakness, and allergic reactions.

Word Of Advice

Tell your doctor before the treatment commencement if you have lung and kidney disease. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for a pregnancy, and also take the doctor's advice if you are a lactating mother. Avoid driving and handling machinery as it decreases your alertness, and you may feel sleepy. The dosage and duration of this medication should be taken as per the doctor's advice. You should not stop medication on your own.

Frequently Asked Question

•  Does diet cholesterol affect serum cholesterol while taking Ezetimibe?
• Yes, diet cholesterol affects serum cholesterol because oil food items and unhealthy food lead to the storage of LDL cholesterol in the intestine, thereby increasing the total cholesterol level in blood and vessels. 

• Is it safe to take Ezetimibe along with statins?
• It is unsafe in patients with active liver disease as it causes elevations in hepatic transaminase levels.

• Can Ezetimibe cause muscle pain or weakness?
• Muscle pain or weakness is a potential side effect of  Ezetimibe, although it is relatively rare. If you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or malaise, it is important to contact your healthcare provider promptly. They can evaluate your symptoms and make any necessary adjustments to your medication regimen.

• Do ezetimibe act as a blood thinner?
• No ezetimibe does not act as a blood thinner. They act by lowering the high cholesterol levels in the blood along with a healthy diet, thereby preventing the formation of more LDL cholesterol. 

• What happens when I stop Ezetimibe on my own?
• Ezetimibe should not be stopped on its own and should be taken as per the doctor's advice because stopping this medicine suddenly can increase cholesterol levels in the blood and vessels. It causes the narrowing of blood vessels, which creates a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.

• Does Ezetimibe worsen liver disease?
• Ezetimibe is used with caution in liver diseases, but if the patient has moderate to severe liver disorder, it is not recommended as it worsens the condition and causes liver damage.