There has been a flurry of activity on the internet regarding the lipid lowering agent Zetia®. Zetia®, or ezetimibe, is a medication that is used in people who cannot tolerate the most common medications used to lower cholesterol--statins.
The ENHANCE research study seems to be finding Vytorin®, which is Zetia® plus simvastatin, is no more effective than simvastatin alone in reducing the amount of atherosclerosis in the carotid (neck) arteries of the research subjects. The participants in the ENHANCE study, however, have a genetic form of very high cholesterol. Findings on these test subjects may not apply to you.
Zetia® is used for people who cannot tolerate high doses of a statin medication to lower their cholesterol, usually because of increased liver enzymes (blood test). Because of the concern that Zetia may not be effective, a newer study then compared ezetimibe with a medication composed of aspirin and the vitamin niacin.
Niacin is another medication that is used instead of statins for some people, but it also has side effects and some people cannot tolerate it. Although it is a natural vitamin, very high doses are used to lower cholesterol. At high doses niacin has toxic metabolites.
If you are on Zetia® and are uncertain about what you should do, talk with your doctor, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or pharmacist. The professionals who care for you are in the best position to make an individualized recommendation taking your overall health into account.
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