Any experiences with Zetia?

elspeth · Silver Member Joined: 17 May 2001 Posts: 301

Since my level of bad cholesterol is way too high, my doctor prescribed a medicine called Zetia. I’m scared a bit, because my brother has problems with cholesterol and used to take Zetia, but as a side effect appeared swelling of his face and tongue, so he was instructed by his doctor to stop taking it. I’d like to find out something more about Zetia from someone’s personal experience. Thanks.

cotrone · Newbie Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Posts: 14

You probably already know that Zetia consists mainly of a substance called ezetimibe and that it is taken when low fat and cholesterol diet is not enough to lessen the level of total cholesterol (called LDL or bad cholesterol) and apolipoprotein B (which is a protein necessary for making cholesterol in the blood). I have to take it and I totally understand your worry - side effects are numerous and can be quite unpleasant. I, for instance, often experience diarrhea as a result of taking Zetia, but my doctor says that side effects are possible with any medicine you take, you just have to accept that and try to get used to it. Difficulties in breathing, rash or swelling are the extreme side effects and I suppose that your brother’s doctor just didn’t make all necessary tests (performing all those tests and checks, as well as getting information about all other medications used when a patient is to be prescribed Zetia, is crucial and must be done really carefully and thoroughly), otherwise he would probably have discovered that Zetia is not a good choice in your brother’s case (he is most likely allergic to ezetimibe). You, on the other hand, might feel too tired, or have diarrhoea or pain in your abdomen, but you must not stop taking it on your own - always consult doctor first and be aware that sometimes it takes much longer for Zetia to start working and give the results wanted.

Guest · Guest

Difficulties in breathing, rash or swelling are NOT extreme side effects, they are 100% an allergic reaction. Before prescribing Zetia, your brother's doctor should have tested his liver enzymes, but I do not believe there is a standard test that his doctor missed when he prescribed the drug. How many times are you allergy tested before being prescribed a medicine? It is virtually impossible to do as allergic reactions only appear after exposure to the allergin (i.e. actually taking the drug). I would not blame the doctor, but rather you just need to be aware that allergic reactions can happen from any drug, and you need to be vigilant and tell your MD if you have reactions like this.

Any experiences with Zetia?

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