Product description medically reviewed by Dr. Ami Patel, PharmD (Mar 2, 2020)

What is Zetia?

Zetia, also called Ezetrol, belongs to a group of medications known as cholesterol absorption inhibitors, which lower cholesterol levels by decreasing the body's ability to absorb cholesterol from the digestive system. Zetia lowers cholesterol in a different way than statins, which work mainly with the liver to help lower LDL, or bad cholesterol, Zetia helps block the absorption of cholesterol from the food you eat. Lowering cholesterol reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other heart-related health problems. Zetia is available in a 10-milligram oral tablet.

Drugs similar to Zetia include:

Who is prescribed Zetia?

Doctors prescribe Zetia to patients who cannot control cholesterol levels with diet and exercise alone. While lifestyle changes can help improve cholesterol levels, drug therapy may be a necessary next step.

Conditions treated by Zetia

Zetia is used to treat hyperlipidemia, also known as high cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood. It is essential for healthy cell membranes, hormone production, and vitamin storage. A person's total cholesterol is made up of LDL and HDL cholesterol.

Low density cholesterol (LDL)

This is known as bad cholesterol because it can build up in artery walls and form plaque. Plaque can eventually narrow arteries, which can slow or block blood flow.
High density cholesterol (HDL)

This is known as good cholesterol because it prevents LDL cholesterol from accumulating in your arteries.

Several environmental and genetic factors can lead to hyperlipidemia.

These include:

Lack of exercise
Poor diet
Hereditary predisposition

Without treatment, high cholesterol can increase your risk for dangerous cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke. Zetia does not cure hyperlipidemia, but it helps manage cholesterol levels so you can live a healthier life with fewer hyperlipidemia-related risks.

Zetia also treats a rare medical condition called Sitosterolemia (also known as phytosterolemia). People with Sitosterolemia store fats from vegetables, nuts, and other plant-based foods inside their body, and this causes plaque to build up in their arteries. Zetia helps reduce levels of these fats in the blood.

What to know before taking Zetia

Zetia is available in a 10-milligram oral tablet.
To buy Zetia, you must consult with your doctor and obtain a prescription.
Tell your doctor whether you have been diagnosed with kidney disease or thyroid disease before taking Zetia.
Tell your doctor if you take a steroidal or hormonal drug (including birth control), which may hinder Zetia's efficacy.
Tell your doctor if you take a blood thinner or immunosuppressant drug, which can have a negative interaction with Zetia.
Do not use Zetia if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
You may use Zetia by itself or with other medications to treat high cholesterol.
Keep an eye out for muscle pain and weakness combined with flu-like symptoms while taking Zetia. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.
See your doctor regularly to monitor your cholesterol levels and check for side effects.
Remember that when it comes to managing high cholesterol, lifestyle changes (such as a healthier diet, regular exercise, and weight loss) are an important part of your healthy-heart treatment plan.
Treatment with Zetia in children under 10 years old is not recommended.