Zetia (Ezetimibe) 10mg Tablet

Zetia (Ezetimibe) is a prescription medication used to treat high cholesterol levels, often in combination with statins or other cholesterol-lowering therapies. Each tablet contains 10 mg of Ezetimibe, a lipid-lowering compound that helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. Zetia is primarily prescribed to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol, in patients with high cholesterol or mixed dyslipidemia. Ezetimibe, the active ingredient in Zetia, works differently from statins by targeting cholesterol absorption, rather than cholesterol production in the liver, making it a valuable addition to cholesterol-lowering therapies.

How It Works

Zetia lowers cholesterol levels by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. This reduces the amount of cholesterol that enters the bloodstream from dietary sources, as well as cholesterol that the liver recirculates.

Mechanism of Action:

1. Inhibition of NPC1L1 Protein: Ezetimibe selectively inhibits the Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) protein in the small intestine. This protein is essential for the absorption of cholesterol from dietary and biliary sources.
2. Reduced Cholesterol Absorption: By blocking the NPC1L1 protein, Zetia prevents cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to lower levels of circulating LDL cholesterol.
3. Decreased LDL-C Levels: The liver responds to the lower levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream by increasing the uptake of LDL cholesterol, which lowers the overall LDL-C levels in the body.

When combined with a statin, Zetia helps patients achieve further reductions in cholesterol by both decreasing the production of cholesterol in the liver (through the statin) and reducing its absorption in the small intestine (through Zetia).

Side Effects

Zetia is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects in some patients. These side effects may range from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects:

• Fatigue: Some patients may feel unusually tired after taking Zetia.
• Diarrhea: Soft stools or frequent bowel movements are common.
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: Common colds, coughs, or sinus infections may occur.
• Joint Pain: Some users report muscle or joint discomfort.
• Back Pain: Musculoskeletal pain may be experienced.

Rare/Serious Side Effects:

• Myopathy: Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially when used in combination with statins.
• Liver Enzyme Elevation: Zetia, particularly when used with statins, can raise liver enzyme levels, indicating liver stress or damage.
• Rhabdomyolysis: A rare but serious condition in which muscle tissue breaks down, potentially leading to kidney damage.
• Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions, including swelling, rash, and difficulty breathing.

Patients experiencing any serious or persistent side effects should consult their healthcare provider immediately.

Indications

Zetia is primarily indicated for the treatment of high cholesterol and is often prescribed in combination with other lipid-lowering therapies to optimize cholesterol reduction.

Approved Indications:

1. Primary Hyperlipidemia: Used alone or in combination with a statin to treat high levels of LDL cholesterol in adults and children aged 10 and older.
2. Mixed Dyslipidemia: Combined with fenofibrate to reduce elevated LDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B, while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).
3. Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH): Used with a statin to reduce LDL cholesterol in patients with this genetic condition.
4. Homozygous Sitosterolemia: Zetia can also be used to reduce levels of plant sterols in patients with this rare inherited condition.

Contraindications

While Zetia is safe for many patients, there are certain situations where its use may be contraindicated.

Contraindications:

1. Hypersensitivity to Ezetimibe: Patients with a known allergy to Ezetimibe or any components of Zetia should avoid using this medication.
2. Severe Liver Disease: Zetia, especially when used with statins, can increase the risk of liver damage in patients with pre-existing liver conditions.
3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Zetia during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should avoid using this medication.
4. Concurrent Use with Certain Statins: Patients with contraindications to statin use should be cautious when using Zetia, as it is often prescribed in combination with statins for cholesterol management.

Price in Different Countries

The cost of Zetia (Ezetimibe) 10 mg tablets varies significantly depending on the region, healthcare system, and pharmacy markup. Below is a table showing the estimated prices of Zetia in different countries.

Country	Price (Per Pack of 30 Tablets)	Reference
United States	$200 – $300	GoodRx
Canada	CAD $100 – $150	Canada Drugs
United Kingdom	£40 – £60	NHS
Australia	AUD $60 – $100	PBS Australia
India	INR ₹1000 – ₹2000	1mg

Top 5 Global Brands

Several pharmaceutical companies produce and distribute Ezetimibe, often under different brand names or as part of combination therapies with other cholesterol-lowering agents. Below are the top five global brands known for high-quality cholesterol management therapies, including Ezetimibe.

1. Merck & Co.

• Merck manufactures Zetia and is a global leader in producing lipid-lowering drugs.

2. Pfizer

• Pfizer is a major player in the cholesterol management market, particularly with combination therapies involving Ezetimibe.

3. Sanofi

• Sanofi is another top brand that provides high-quality medications for managing cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, including Ezetimibe.

4. Novartis

• Novartis manufactures cardiovascular medications, including cholesterol-lowering drugs that are widely used across the globe.

5. Mylan (Viatris)

• Mylan, now a part of Viatris, produces generic Ezetimibe, making the drug more accessible to patients globally.