Ezetrol

The usual recommended dose of Ezetrol (Ezetimibe) for adults and children 10 years of age and older is 10 mg once daily. It may be taken with or without food at any time of the day, but preferably at the same time every day.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the one above, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Ezetrol (Ezetimibe) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of Ezetrol (Ezetimibe), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Ezetrol (Ezetimibe) at room temperature, protect it from moisture and light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause diarrhea; it may cause joint pain; it may cause back pain. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each white-to-off-white, capsule-shaped tablet debossed with "414" on one side contains 10 mg of Ezetrol (Ezetimibe). Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Do not take Ezetrol (Ezetimibe) if you:

• are allergic to Ezetrol (Ezetimibe) or any ingredients of the medication
• have active liver disease or unexplained, persistently abnormal tests of liver function and are also taking a "statin" medication for cholesterol (e.g., Atorvastatin, Pravastatin, Simvastatin)

There may be an interaction between Ezetrol (Ezetimibe) and any of the following:

• Cholestyramine
• Colestipol
• Cyclosporine
• Eltrombopag
• fibrates (e.g., fenofibrate, Gemfibrozil)
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction to Ezetrol (Ezetimibe). Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, swollen face, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, contact your doctor immediately.

Combination treatment: In some situations, Ezetrol (Ezetimibe) may be used in combination with another type of cholesterol-lowering medication called a "statin" (e.g., atorvastatin, pravastatin). If this combination is used, your liver function should be monitored by your doctor. This combination should not be used by pregnant women or people with active liver disease or unexplained, persistently abnormal tests of liver function.

Liver damage: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Ezetrol (Ezetimibe) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Ezetrol (Ezetimibe) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ezetrol (Ezetimibe), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Ezetrol (Ezetimibe).

This medication may cause liver damage. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Muscle pain or damage: Ezetrol (Ezetimibe) may cause muscle pain or damage. If you have unexpected muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, see your doctor right away, especially if these symptoms do not seem to go away.

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Ezetrol (Ezetimibe) may cause the pancreas to become inflamed. This is called pancreatitis. If you have a history of or are at risk for developing pancreatitis, you should be closely monitored by your doctor while taking Ezetrol (Ezetimibe). If you develop signs of pancreatitis (e.g., upper left abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen), contact your doctor. If you have a history of pancreatitis, gallstones, Alcoholism, or high triglycerides, you may be more at risk of experiencing this. If you have sudden stomach or abdominal pains while taking Ezetrol (Ezetimibe), contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: Ezetrol (Ezetimibe) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Ezetrol (Ezetimibe), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Ezetrol (Ezetimibe) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Ezetrol (Ezetimibe), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Ezetrol (Ezetimibe) have not been established for children under 10 years of age. Ezetrol (Ezetimibe) is not recommended for children less than 10 years of age.

This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. It must be used regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Be sure to keep an adequate supply on hand. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food.