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Zetia
Zetia (generic name ezetimibe) is a cholesterol medication used to lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood. It is used for patients who cannot control their cholesterol levels by diet alone. It can be used by itself or with certain other medicines to treat high cholesterol. By lowering cholesterol levels better than older medications called statins can do alone, Zetia is meant to help better prevent the development of arterial plaque, which can lead to heart disease and heart attacks.
However, an extensive study completed in mid 2006, and released in January 2008 has shown that taking Zetia had no benefit on the buildup of arterial plaque when compared with patients taking only statins such as Zocor. This finding is significant, as Zetia is more expensive than the generic version of Zocor (simvastatin). The manufacturer has disputed the study's findings, but within weeks of the study's release a class action lawsuit has already been filed against Merck and Schering-Plough. The Zetia lawsuit alleges that the companies have known since 2006 that their drug was no more effective than the cheaper generic Zocor, despite leading consumers to believe the opposite.
Fast Facts
| Name: | Zetia |
| Generic: | Ezetimibe |
| Manufacturer: | Merck/Schering-Plough |
| Date approved: | October 25, 2002 |
| Status: | Prescription only |
| Approved uses: | Treatment for patients who cannot control their cholesterol levels by diet alone |
| Off-Label uses: | None at present |
| Side effects: | Stomach pain, tiredness, joint pain, muscle problems (muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness) and possible allergic reaction |
| Related topics: | Vytorin |
Zetia Does Not Reduce Heart Attack Risk
However, the company failed to successfully report their research outcome on the given dates several times. It was not until the media picked up on the company's suspect behavior and delay that the... read more
Anti-Cholesterol Drugs: A Background
It is estimated by the American Heart Association that nearly 1 in 5 Americans are candidates for increased chance of heart disease, liver failure, and other serious health complications due to high... read more
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FDA Information Related to Zetia
FDA and VA to Share Information on the Safe Use of Medical Products
FDA Reinforces Commitment to Drug Safety
View the Zetia FDA Information page here
MSN Newsfeeds Related to Zetia
UPDATE 1-Schering-Plough CEO to buy $2 mln in stock
News Review From Harvard Medical School -- Weak Depression-Drug Data ...
View the Zetia MSN Newsfeeds page here
News Articles Related to Zetia
Vytorin Results Disappointing, Experts Say Don't Panic
Study Deals Setback to Cholesterol Drug - WSJ.com
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Wikipedia Entries Related to Zetia
View the Zetia Wikipedia Entries page here
Books Related to Zetia
View the Zetia Books page here
