Zetia Side Effects
Zetia is a drug that was granted distribution rights by the FDA in October of 2002. The drug’s manufacturer defined it as a drug used for cholesterol treatment, which in turn is designed to lessen the likelihood of “cardiovascular incidents.” The goal of lowering cholesterol counts really means lowering the cholesterol LDL, which is the “bad cholesterol” that can contribute to the growth of fatty tissue in arteries. These growths become blockages, which lead to incidents such as heart attacks and strokes.
There is a family of medications called “statin” drugs that have proven to be very successful in lowering LDL in patients, and also in reducing the likelihood of cardiovascular incidents. Zetia was initially marketed as an alternative method of lowering LDL because it has a different medical impact than a statin drug, reducing the cholesterol via a different physical process.
However the side effects listed by Merck in their product packaging suggests many of the same side effects are possible as with a statin drug – most prominently, the possibility of liver damage through increased enzyme levels. Other side effects mentioned by the manufacturer include allergic reactions manifested in the form of breathing difficulty, throat constriction or hives; tiredness; stomach pain; and tiredness. But the side effects warning packaged with each prescription of Zetia notes that on rare occasions patients have had “muscle problems, especially when Zetia is coupled with a statin drug.
These muscle problems may manifest as weakness or tenderness, especially in the face – and may lead to kidney problems as well. On another front, there is some evidence that Zetia does not have the resultant reduction in arterial blockage and cardiac incidents that the statin drugs accomplish through lowering LDL counts. While that is really a performance issue, it is worth noting that the medication falls short on two counts. First, it may contribute to side effects when combined with a statin drug, even though it may contribute to lower LDL counts. Second, even though it lowers LDL counts it does not induce the goal of lowering the likelihood of arterial blockages.
The study that led to FDA approval of this medication was a twelve week clinical trial. Long term effects of the drug are now coming to light piecemeal. If you have been taking Zetia or Vytorin, the Merck medication that combines Zetia with the statin drug Zocor, you should consult your physician on any possible kidney or liver impact. If you have had any of the physical manifestations listed by the manufacturer as side effects, see your doctor immediately.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with the side-effects associated with Zetia, please click here to have us help answer any questions you may have.
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