Zetia Uses

Treating high cholesterol and a rare genetic condition called sitosterolemia are among the licensed uses of Zetia. The cholesterol medication is effective at decreasing total cholesterol and "bad cholesterol," as well as decreasing triglycerides. By itself, Zetia has little effect on "good cholesterol"; and the drug is often used in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins and fenofibrate. There are currently no known off-label uses.

 

What Is Zetia Used For?

 Zetia® (ezetimibe) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions. These uses for Zetia include treating:
 
High Cholesterol
Zetia is used for treating high cholesterol in people who cannot lower their cholesterol through lifestyle changes alone. It can lower total cholesterol and LDL ("bad cholesterol") but has little effect on HDL ("good cholesterol"). The medication is often used in combination with other cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins (Lipitor®, Crestor®, Zocor®, Pravachol®, Lescol®, Mevacor®) or fenofibrate (Antara®, Tricor®, Lipofen®, Triglide®, Lofibra®).
 
When used in combination with atorvastatin (Lipitor®) or simvastatin (Zocor®), Zetia is also approved for treating high cholesterol due to the genetic disorder known as homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
(Zetia Uses Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;