Information About Zetia
 Zetia Facts:
- Brand Name: Zetia (ZEH-tee-uh)
- Generic Name: Vytorin (eh ZEH the mib)
- Approval date: October 25, 2002
- Manufacturer: Merck/Schering-Plough
- Type of Drug: Prescription Only
- Used For: Cholesterol management
- Other Uses: None
What is Zetia?
Zetia (or the generic version Vytorin) is a cholesterol-lowering drug that is targeted toward patients who are unable to control their cholesterol through diet.
What Makes Zetia Different?
Zetia / Vytorin are different from other cholesterol lowering drugs because they work by stopping the absorption of dietary cholesterol through the intestines. Contrarily, cholesterol drugs in the past have worked by interfering with the production of cholesterol in the body. These older cholesterol drugs are known as “statins.”
Who is Prescribed Zetia?
Zetia, and other cholesterol lowering drugs, are prescribed to patients who have heart disease or at risk of developing heart disease. Zetia may also be prescribed if a patient has been unsuccessful at lowering their cholesterol through diet only.
What are Zetia Side Effects?
Side effects associated with Zetia and Vytorin include feeling tired, stomach pain, diarrhea, runny or stuffy nose (and other cold symptoms), joint or muscle pain, headache, and dizziness. Serious side effects include unusual muscle weakness, unusual muscle pain, chest pain, stomach pain and/or severe nausea, fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, and jaundice. If you are experiencing serious symptoms listed, or feel you have other serious symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
What are the risks associated with Zetia?
New information has recently been released revealing that the use of Zetia or
Vytorin may result in liver damage. It has also been revealed that the prolonged use of Zetia along with a traditional statin (Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor) increases these risks. This also applies to the drug Vytorin which combines Zetia with Zocor. Click
here for more detailed information about Zetia risks.
Other Problems With Zetia:
As recently as January, 2008, information has been released showing that taking Zetia /
Vytorin did not affect the build up of arterial plaque when compared with patients taking traditional statins, such as Zocor. This information is significant because Zetia is costlier than Zocor. This information has also lead to a class action lawsuit being filed against the manufacturer of Zetia (Merck and Schering-Plough) and alleges that these companies have known since 2006 that Zetia is not more affective than Zocor. Click
here for more information about the Zetia lawsuit
or fill out a free case review form.
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