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Zetia: Exploring the Benefits and Side Effects of this Cholesterol Medication

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Zetia, also known by its generic name ezetimibe, is a medication commonly prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol levels. It works by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, which in turn lowers the amount of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream.
What is Zetia?.
Zetia is a medication used to lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels in the blood. It is also known by its generic name, ezetimibe. Zetia is often prescribed in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins.
Zetia works by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. It blocks the action of a protein called NPC1L1, which is responsible for the absorption of cholesterol from food. By reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed from the diet, Zetia can help lower the levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream.
How does Zetia work?.
Zetia works by reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed in the small intestine. It blocks the action of a protein called NPC1L1, which is responsible for the absorption of cholesterol from food. By reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed from the diet, Zetia can help lower the levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Zetia is often prescribed in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, to further lower LDL cholesterol levels. Statins work by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver, while Zetia blocks the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine.
Benefits of taking Zetia.
The main benefit of taking Zetia is its ability to lower LDL cholesterol levels. By reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, Zetia can potentially minimize the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular complications.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adding Zetia to statin therapy reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes, by 6.4% compared to statin therapy alone.
Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that Zetia, when added to statin therapy, reduced the progression of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, by 58% compared to statin therapy alone.
Side effects of Zetia.
Like any medication, Zetia does come with potential side effects. The most common side effects of Zetia include:.
Diarrhea.
Joint pain.
Fatigue.
Abdominal pain.
Muscle pain.
In rare cases, Zetia can cause liver problems. Symptoms of liver problems include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, and upper abdominal pain.
If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Zetia, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. They may need to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
Who should take Zetia?.
Zetia is typically prescribed to individuals with high LDL cholesterol levels who are unable to lower their cholesterol through diet and lifestyle changes alone. Zetia may also be prescribed to individuals who have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.
However, Zetia is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with a history of liver disease or unexplained liver enzyme elevations should not take Zetia. Zetia should also not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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"DISCLAIMER: The content of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for medical consultation. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or healthcare professional before taking any medication or starting any treatment. Treatments and medications should be prescribed and supervised by a qualified medical doctor only. Individual results may vary and the effectiveness of any treatment mentioned in this video is not guaranteed. Do not self-medicate, if you have any health problems, it is important to seek medical help immediately.



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