Ezetrol (Ezetimibe)

Usual dose:

• EZETROL should be taken as directed. Take one 10mg tablet by mouth each day, preferably at the same time of day. EZETROL can be taken with or without food.
• Continue taking your other cholesterol-lowering medicines known as statins or fenofibrate unless your doctor tells you to stop.
• If you are taking a statin or fenofibrate, EZETROL can be taken at the same time.
• Even if you are taking medication to treat high cholesterol, it is important to have your cholesterol measured regularly. You should also know your cholesterol levels and goals.

Overdose:

Take EZETROL only as prescribed for you. If you take more EZETROL than you were prescribed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In case of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed dose:

If you miss a dose, just resume the usual schedule of one tablet daily.

EZETROL is generally well tolerated.

• When used alone, the following common side effects have been reported: abdominal pain; diarrhea; flatulence; tiredness; viral infection; throat infection (pharyngitis); nose infection (sinusitis); joint pain (arthralgia); back pain; and coughing.

The following uncommon side effects have been reported: elevations in some laboratory blood tests of liver (transaminases) or muscle (CK) function; indigestion; heartburn; nausea; muscle spasms; neck pain; decreased appetite; hot flush; high blood pressure; chest pain and pain.

• When used with a statin, the following common side effects have been reported: headache; tiredness; abdominal pain; diarrhea; joint pain (arthralgia); muscle pain (myalgia); back pain; throat infection (pharyngitis); nose infection (sinusitis); upper chest infection (respiratory tract); and changes in certain laboratory blood tests.

The following uncommon side effects have been reported: tingling sensation; dry mouth; gastritis; itching; rash; hives; muscular weakness; pain in arms and legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; and swelling, especially in the hands and feet.

When used with fenofibrate, the following side effect was reported: abdominal pain.

• In general use, the following side effects have been reported: raised red rash, sometimes with target-shaped lesions; dizziness; depression; tingling sensation; constipation; and unusual tiredness or weakness.
• You should contact your doctor if you develop persistent and severe muscle aches or pains with no obvious explanation at any time after starting to take EZETROL.

If you are prescribed EZETROL with a statin, your doctor will order routine blood tests to check your liver function before and after starting treatment.

Talk to your doctor anytime you have a medical problem you think may be related to EZETROL.

Serious Warnings and Precautions

• Liver disease (Hepatitis)
• Pancreas disease (Pancreatitis)
• Muscle pain (Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis, myalgia)
• Severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis)

Before you use EZETROL talk to your doctor if you:

• are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
• are breast-feeding. EZETROL may be passed in your milk to your baby.
• have now or have had in the past any medical problems (including liver disease or liver problems).

You should always tell your doctor about all drugs that you are taking or plan to take as well as those obtained without a prescription.

Drugs that may interact with EZETROL include:

• Cyclosporine
• Cholestyramine (a resine/bile acid sequestrant) or any other bile acid sequestrant. In that case, EZETROL should be taken at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking the bile acid sequestrant.
• Fibrates