Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Ezetimibe is a drug that is used for the
treatment of elevated blood cholesterol. The most commonly used class of drugs
for lowering cholesterol levels, the statins, act by preventing the production
of cholesterol by the liver. Ezetimibe has a different mechanism of action and
lowers blood cholesterol by reducing the absorption of cholesterol from the
intestine. It does not affect the absorption of triglycerides or fat-soluble
vitamins. The FDA approved ezetimibe in October 2002.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PREPARATIONS: Tablets, 10 mg
STORAGE: Ezetimibe tablets should be stored between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Ezetimibe is used in combination with statins to
improve levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,
triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B.
Combining ezetimibe with a statin is more effective than either drug alone.
Ezetimibe may be used alone or in combination with fibrates [for example,
fenofibrate
(Tricor)] to improve levels of
cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B.
DOSING: The recommended dose of ezetimibe is 10 mg daily. Ezetimibe can be
taken with or without food and at the same time as statin drugs.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:Cholestyramine (Questran), colestipol (Colestid) and
colesevelam (WelChol), bile acid-binding drugs that may be used to treat
elevated levels of cholesterol, bind to ezetimibe and reduce its absorption from
the intestine by about 50%. Therefore, ezetimibe should be taken at least two
hours after or one hour before these drugs.
Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral) increases the levels of
ezetimibe and could lead to greater side effects of ezetimibe.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of ezetimibe in pregnant women.
Therefore, physicians must weight the benefit of prescribing ezetimibe during
pregnancy against potential unknown risks.
NURSING MOTHERS: There are no adequate studies of ezetimibe in
nursing women.
Therefore, physicians must weight the benefit of prescribing ezetimibe to
nursing women against potential unknown risks.
SIDE EFFECTS: Ezetimibe is well-tolerated. The overall rate of side effects
with ezetimibe in clinical studies were similar to that reported with placebo
(an inactive sugar pill). Diarrhea, abdominal pain,
back pain, joint pain, and
sinusitis were the most commonly reported side effects, occurring in one in every
25 to 30 patients. Hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema (swelling of
the skin and underlying tissues of the head and neck that can be
life-threatening) and skin rash rarely occur. Nausea, pancreatitis, muscle
damage (myopathy or rhabdomyolysis) and hepatitis have been reported in
post-marketing studies.
Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body, and is a building block for cell membranes and hormones. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol, conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol. High cholesterol treatment includes lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), and medications such as statins, bile acid resins, and fibric acid derivatives.
Cholesterol is the most common type of steroid in the body. The treatment of elevated cholesterol involves not only diet but also weight loss, regular exercise, and medications. By understanding your cholesterol profile you can better manage your cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol occurs naturally in the body. High blood cholesterol levels increase a person's risk of developing heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, TIAs, and more. In addition to medication (fibrates, statins, bile acid sequestrants, and niacin), lifestyle changes can be made to lower blood cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts
of the body and is made by the liver. Cholesterol also is present in foods we
eat. People need cholesterol for the body to function normally. Cholesterol is
present in the cell walls or membranes everywhere in the body, including the
brain, nerves, muscles, skin, liver, intestines, and heart.
2) Why Should I Be Concerned About Cholesterol?
Too much cholesterol in your body means that you have an
increased risk of getting cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease. If you
have too much cholesterol in your body, the cholesterol can build up on the
walls of the arteries that carry blood to your heart. This buildup, which occurs
over time, causes less blood and oxygen to get to your heart. This can cause
chest pain and
heart attacks.
3) What's the Difference between "Good" and "Bad" Cholesterol?
Cholesterol RSS
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