Z'sMom
02-04-2005, 12:46 PM
I have genetically 'gifted' high cholesterol (paternal GF & GM, father, 1 brother & sister). My Dr. has put me on zetia since she's had some good results EVEN IF it's not taken in conjunction with the other chol. meds it was originally designed to supplement.
Is anyone on Zetia? With or without other chol. meds? Is it effective for you?
We're doing a 6 week trial and I'm just looking for personal experiences. Thank you!
Is anyone on Zetia? With or without other chol. meds? Is it effective for you?
We're doing a 6 week trial and I'm just looking for personal experiences. Thank you!
Sponsor
NineLives
02-04-2005, 03:50 PM
My brother is taking Vytorin which is combination Zocor and Zetia and is having excellent results. I'm going to talk to my doctor about switching or adding Zetia to my Zocor. My brothers HDL has went up from between 19 and 25 to 37 in about a 7 month period.
jtu91952
02-04-2005, 07:52 PM
I used zetia alone for about three weeks. I can't say if it helped or not bcuz i quit due to severe side effects. It caused me lower back pain, side pain where the liver is located and constipation.
Hope you have better luck.
Hope you have better luck.
Sispresso
02-04-2005, 09:42 PM
Hello
Today Feb 4, 2005, Health Canada, the Canadian equivalent to the FDA, has put out an official warning on Ezetrol (ezetimibe) or Zetia.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
read the warning here:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpfb-dgpsa/tpd-dpt/ezetrol_hpc_e.html
Today Feb 4, 2005, Health Canada, the Canadian equivalent to the FDA, has put out an official warning on Ezetrol (ezetimibe) or Zetia.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
read the warning here:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpfb-dgpsa/tpd-dpt/ezetrol_hpc_e.html
jjano
02-15-2005, 07:24 PM
My wife was put on ""Zetia"" while attending a clinic for folks with high or irratic (C) numbers. Since hers can fluctuate betweem 300/525, it was the latest attempt to get a med to help lower. We have long been on the low (C) diet. The result was bad sides by the end of the first week.
So much for med help.
Jim
So much for med help.
Jim
JJ
02-16-2005, 11:13 PM
I haven't been to this board in awhile, but sure glad I stopped in tonight. My new dr. wanted me to try Zetia, as he knows I can't, and won't take statins due to rotten side effects. I also have tried Whelcol, DON'T lose it, it made me feel like a bloated, constipated whale. My numbers are borderline high, but my new dr. gets wacked out if U are over the guidlines, but he will just have to deal with it, cause I am not taking these meds. Both hubby and I suffered horrid side effects from statins. Oh well, guess we will just have to take our chances and hope and pray for the best.
Thanx for posting that article about the Canadian brand of Zetia, now I know I won't try it!! :rolleyes:
Thanx for posting that article about the Canadian brand of Zetia, now I know I won't try it!! :rolleyes:
Sispresso
02-20-2005, 08:02 PM
Hello
The Health Canada warning is for ALL drugs named Zetia or Ezetimibe or Ezetimol. The different names are for the same drug, with different patents for each country. Zetia is the brand name, ezetimibe and ezetimol are the (patented) chemical names.
Confusing, but the SAME drug no matter which country you are in.
FDA has yet to make a statement on this. Shame on them.
It is the SAME drug. Beware.
Sispresso
The Health Canada warning is for ALL drugs named Zetia or Ezetimibe or Ezetimol. The different names are for the same drug, with different patents for each country. Zetia is the brand name, ezetimibe and ezetimol are the (patented) chemical names.
Confusing, but the SAME drug no matter which country you are in.
FDA has yet to make a statement on this. Shame on them.
It is the SAME drug. Beware.
Sispresso
paborn
03-12-2005, 07:51 PM
I have had no problems with Zetia. I just had a physical and Everything including choleaterol was great.
I was taken off of Zocor about 16 months ago because of high liver enzymes. My cholesterol than shot up and prompted my Doctor to put me on Zetia which works outside of the liver to eliminate cholesterol in the digestive tract before it can get to the liver. Below are my numbers, before Zetia, six weeks after Zetia, and the results I got back today ten months after Zetia. I do watch my diet, but am not really eating any different then I did before I started Zetia.
1-28-04 - Before Zetia
LDL-162
HDL-59
Tri's-106
Total-242
5-27-04 - Six weeks after beginning Zetia
LDL-116
HDL-68
Tri's-105
Total-205
3-5-05 - Ten Months after beginning Zetia
LDL-73
HDL-66
Tri's-83
Total-156
Liver ALT-30
Liver AST-23
I was taken off of Zocor about 16 months ago because of high liver enzymes. My cholesterol than shot up and prompted my Doctor to put me on Zetia which works outside of the liver to eliminate cholesterol in the digestive tract before it can get to the liver. Below are my numbers, before Zetia, six weeks after Zetia, and the results I got back today ten months after Zetia. I do watch my diet, but am not really eating any different then I did before I started Zetia.
1-28-04 - Before Zetia
LDL-162
HDL-59
Tri's-106
Total-242
5-27-04 - Six weeks after beginning Zetia
LDL-116
HDL-68
Tri's-105
Total-205
3-5-05 - Ten Months after beginning Zetia
LDL-73
HDL-66
Tri's-83
Total-156
Liver ALT-30
Liver AST-23
Tomorrow
04-28-2005, 09:40 AM
In the past I was prescribed Lipitor. I had so many side effects and damage from that statin. I had discontinued the use of that medication all on my own and told my primary doctor after the fact. He did agree that was the right decision for me.
It is now approximately a year later and I now have a new primary doctor. I have also developed type ll diabetes. My cholesterol reading were:
LDL - 186
HDL - 50
Total - 262
My doctor explained to me that I must get my LDL cholesterol reading down, and elevate my HDL, especially with diabetes. I told him that I would never take a statin again and explained my experiences with Lipitor. He then suggested that he prescribe me Zetia and told me that their were No side effects with this med. I have learned differently after researching this medication on the web.
At this time, I have only taking this med for a week. I have noticed that my back pain has slightly increased and for some reason I seem to have much gas. I am praying that these symptoms do not progressively get worse as I would like to be able to continue this medication.
:angel: Jeanne :angel:
____________________
~LUMBAR~
Posterolateral Fusion & Infuse with Laminectomy & Discectomy on L4,L5,S1
June 2003
Instrumentation = 2 Rods, 6 Screws, 2 Disc Spacers
FBSS-Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
~CERVICAL~
Straightening of the Normal Cervical Lordosis.
Mild Congenital Narrowing of the Spinal Canal.
C4-5, C5-6, C6-7 Herniated Discs
C4-5 & C5-6 , Cord Flattening at these levels.
Bilateral Chronic L4 versus L5 Radiculopathy
Bilateral Frozen Shoulder - MUA 2/7/05
Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Bursitis, Tendonitis,
Tendonosis, Type ll Diabetes, Anemia, Asthma,
Acid Reflux, Migraine's, Sleep Apnea
PolyNeuropathy
It is now approximately a year later and I now have a new primary doctor. I have also developed type ll diabetes. My cholesterol reading were:
LDL - 186
HDL - 50
Total - 262
My doctor explained to me that I must get my LDL cholesterol reading down, and elevate my HDL, especially with diabetes. I told him that I would never take a statin again and explained my experiences with Lipitor. He then suggested that he prescribe me Zetia and told me that their were No side effects with this med. I have learned differently after researching this medication on the web.
At this time, I have only taking this med for a week. I have noticed that my back pain has slightly increased and for some reason I seem to have much gas. I am praying that these symptoms do not progressively get worse as I would like to be able to continue this medication.
:angel: Jeanne :angel:
____________________
~LUMBAR~
Posterolateral Fusion & Infuse with Laminectomy & Discectomy on L4,L5,S1
June 2003
Instrumentation = 2 Rods, 6 Screws, 2 Disc Spacers
FBSS-Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
~CERVICAL~
Straightening of the Normal Cervical Lordosis.
Mild Congenital Narrowing of the Spinal Canal.
C4-5, C5-6, C6-7 Herniated Discs
C4-5 & C5-6 , Cord Flattening at these levels.
Bilateral Chronic L4 versus L5 Radiculopathy
Bilateral Frozen Shoulder - MUA 2/7/05
Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Bursitis, Tendonitis,
Tendonosis, Type ll Diabetes, Anemia, Asthma,
Acid Reflux, Migraine's, Sleep Apnea
PolyNeuropathy
Stumper
04-28-2005, 03:35 PM
Hello all,
I have started on Vytorin about 1 1/2 weeks ago due to high Cholesterol of 275 total and LDL of around 200.
I feel great to be honest. I notice at the time absolutely no side affects whatsoever.
For that matter I had some pain in my right hand 2 knuckles before Vytorin (A wee bit of arthriti perhaps) and it has REALLY diminished. I do not know if it is the Vytorin but if it is it has helped it because I have not done a whole lot different.
In about 4 weeks or so I have a doc appointment and will post my results at that time and how I feel.
Personally I do not always buy what other companies like Canadian Companies say about drugs. Why? Because it is a big money business and based upon competition. So if one decides to cut one drug down they may just be promoting another.
I have started on Vytorin about 1 1/2 weeks ago due to high Cholesterol of 275 total and LDL of around 200.
I feel great to be honest. I notice at the time absolutely no side affects whatsoever.
For that matter I had some pain in my right hand 2 knuckles before Vytorin (A wee bit of arthriti perhaps) and it has REALLY diminished. I do not know if it is the Vytorin but if it is it has helped it because I have not done a whole lot different.
In about 4 weeks or so I have a doc appointment and will post my results at that time and how I feel.
Personally I do not always buy what other companies like Canadian Companies say about drugs. Why? Because it is a big money business and based upon competition. So if one decides to cut one drug down they may just be promoting another.
linda115
04-28-2005, 07:25 PM
I have been taking Vytorin (10/40) for 3 weeks. I have not experienced any side effects so far. I am 57. Had partial thyroid surgery in Feb. Total cholesterol - 271; trig -274; HDL - 48; LDL - 138. One of the reasons for my cholesterol problems may be related to my thyroid condition. I will take this for 2 months and then go back for blood tests. I take my medication one hour before going to bed.
sunnybear1962
05-01-2005, 07:29 AM
hi,
ive been taking Zetia for 2 months now and i hurt all over. my arms feel very weak like i have no muscles in them and legs hurt and back pain is worse. so i called my doctor last week and he said to stop taking it. i sure hope this pain goes away. feel like ive been run over by a truck. he wants me to try Welchol, but i had thoses before the Zetia and they are horse pills. im not gonna take them. i choke on little pills. theres my 2 cents.
ive been taking Zetia for 2 months now and i hurt all over. my arms feel very weak like i have no muscles in them and legs hurt and back pain is worse. so i called my doctor last week and he said to stop taking it. i sure hope this pain goes away. feel like ive been run over by a truck. he wants me to try Welchol, but i had thoses before the Zetia and they are horse pills. im not gonna take them. i choke on little pills. theres my 2 cents.
JJ
05-01-2005, 02:37 PM
A friend of mine takes Lipitor, sometimes 80 mgs. and has very little problems, but she couldn't handle Zetia either. I took the Whelcol, and yes, they are horse pills to say the least, plus they left me feeling like a constipated whale. I only took 3 a day, and your suppose to take 6, 2 with each meal, but 4 days of those and I quit.
Cloverberry52
05-02-2005, 09:05 PM
I took Zetia for 3 days and my back hurt for a month
rob1963
05-02-2005, 11:48 PM
I was on Zetia for a while and had some nasty dizzy spells that sometimes lasted for hours. I'm on Zocor now and it's working for me.
paborn
05-03-2005, 12:08 AM
I have been on Zetia for a year now, and have have never had any side effects.
Pele
05-03-2005, 06:34 PM
Have been taking Zetia for about 6 months. It has allowed me to reduce my dosage of statins (Zocor) and maintain lowered cholestrol levels without any noticeable side effects. I am very pleased
Without Medication Liptor 20mgs Zocor 10mgs + Zetia
HDL: 49 58 56
LDL: 155 100 69
TRGL: 178 79 120
Total: 245 165 151
Without Medication Liptor 20mgs Zocor 10mgs + Zetia
HDL: 49 58 56
LDL: 155 100 69
TRGL: 178 79 120
Total: 245 165 151
Stumper
05-03-2005, 07:38 PM
Have been taking Zetia for about 6 months. It has allowed me to reduce my dosage of statins (Zocor) and maintain lowered cholestrol levels without any noticeable side effects. I am very pleased
Without Medication Liptor 20mgs Zocor 10mgs + Zetia
HDL: 49 58 56
LDL: 155 100 69
TRGL: 178 79 120
Total: 245 165 151
Pele,
These look to be excellent numbers :)
Are you presently on Vytorin 10/20? That is what I am on and will be finding out this month how it helped.
To be honest I have been on it for 2 weeks and feel GREAT :)
No side affects or nothing.
Without Medication Liptor 20mgs Zocor 10mgs + Zetia
HDL: 49 58 56
LDL: 155 100 69
TRGL: 178 79 120
Total: 245 165 151
Pele,
These look to be excellent numbers :)
Are you presently on Vytorin 10/20? That is what I am on and will be finding out this month how it helped.
To be honest I have been on it for 2 weeks and feel GREAT :)
No side affects or nothing.
Pele
05-04-2005, 10:13 AM
Am only taking the Zocor 10mg and Zetia 10mg combination. Am convinced that the Zetia is very effective. While traveling significantly last year, I was unable to refill my Lipitor supply for about 3 months. A test showed my numbers had returned to very close to my unmedicated level, except that my HDL's remained higher. It was then that I went on the Zocor/Zetia combination. I also started taking 500mg Niacin recently; no idea yet of any impact.
linda115
05-04-2005, 10:05 PM
Pele. Please take a look at this link to check on drug interaction.
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Interaction/ChooseDrugs/1,4109,,00.html
I entered ZOCOR and NIACIN, this is what it says,
NIACIN may interact with SIMVASTATIN (in Zocor)
Although the cause of this potential interaction is not clearly understood, using niacin and simvastatin at the same time could cause a serious or potentially life-threatening side effect that involves the destruction of muscle tissue and could lead to kidney failure. These drugs should generally not be used together unless your doctor is monitoring you very closely. Promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor. Ask your healthcare provider about these drugs and this potential interaction as soon as possible.
This interaction is poorly documented and is considered major in severity.
SIMVASTATIN (in Zocor) may interact with GRAPEFRUIT JUICE
Grapefruit juice may block the breakdown of simvastatin in the intestines and thus more simvastatin may get absorbed into the bloodstream. Increased blood levels of simvastatin could cause a serious or potentially life-threatening side effect that involves the destruction of muscle tissue and could lead to kidney failure. Avoid taking simvastatin with any form of grapefruit, including the actual fruit as well as drinks and nutritional supplements that contain grapefruit juice. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.
Since I am taking Vitorin, Norsacs and Evista at the same time, this website has been inevaluable to me. I always check before I take any counter drugs, herbs or vitamins. Many products contain citric acid. I don't know if it contains any grapefruit juice. To be safe, I avoid them too.
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Interaction/ChooseDrugs/1,4109,,00.html
I entered ZOCOR and NIACIN, this is what it says,
NIACIN may interact with SIMVASTATIN (in Zocor)
Although the cause of this potential interaction is not clearly understood, using niacin and simvastatin at the same time could cause a serious or potentially life-threatening side effect that involves the destruction of muscle tissue and could lead to kidney failure. These drugs should generally not be used together unless your doctor is monitoring you very closely. Promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor. Ask your healthcare provider about these drugs and this potential interaction as soon as possible.
This interaction is poorly documented and is considered major in severity.
SIMVASTATIN (in Zocor) may interact with GRAPEFRUIT JUICE
Grapefruit juice may block the breakdown of simvastatin in the intestines and thus more simvastatin may get absorbed into the bloodstream. Increased blood levels of simvastatin could cause a serious or potentially life-threatening side effect that involves the destruction of muscle tissue and could lead to kidney failure. Avoid taking simvastatin with any form of grapefruit, including the actual fruit as well as drinks and nutritional supplements that contain grapefruit juice. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.
Since I am taking Vitorin, Norsacs and Evista at the same time, this website has been inevaluable to me. I always check before I take any counter drugs, herbs or vitamins. Many products contain citric acid. I don't know if it contains any grapefruit juice. To be safe, I avoid them too.
Pele
05-05-2005, 10:20 AM
linda115,
Thank you, this is very enlightening....and alarming! I will research further.
Thank you, this is very enlightening....and alarming! I will research further.
Pele
05-05-2005, 10:21 AM
linda1115,
Thank you, this is very enlightening....and alarming. I will research further.
Thank you, this is very enlightening....and alarming. I will research further.
Pele
05-05-2005, 05:32 PM
linda115
Thanks for the information and reference. This is quite enlightening...and worrisome
Thanks for the information and reference. This is quite enlightening...and worrisome
Kathyz
05-29-2005, 09:24 PM
I first tried zetia at the same time as hydrocholorthiazide. I was so dizzy I could not function, so stopped the zetia. Still somewhat dizzy but hydrocl. is a long use drug so I stayed on it and now am much less dizzy. After only a few days on zetia, the main thing I noticed was a welcome reduction in my apetite. I just was not getting hungry, happy day because I would like to lose some weight. When I stopped the zetia after about a week, I was hungry as normal.
I reintroduced the zetia after a couple of months. The first thing I noticed was the reduction in hunger. But after about a week or two, I had a very bad episode of intense discomfort in my upper abdomen and retching. It felt like my meal from the night before was stuck in there. It went on for a couple of days and the second day my urine was darker than I'd ever seen it. After that, my digestion was messed up for about a week, with diahrrea. Also constipation. Finally, after two weeks, things seemed to settle down.
I have what the doctors have deemed to be a slightly compromised liver, a hereditary condition, with liver cysts. There's no way to tell if this was the result of zetia, but I'm not willing to risk another trial. I was quite sick and wondered if I should go to the ER.
Statins are like poison to me, no way can I take them, either. I so hoped the zetia would work out.
I reintroduced the zetia after a couple of months. The first thing I noticed was the reduction in hunger. But after about a week or two, I had a very bad episode of intense discomfort in my upper abdomen and retching. It felt like my meal from the night before was stuck in there. It went on for a couple of days and the second day my urine was darker than I'd ever seen it. After that, my digestion was messed up for about a week, with diahrrea. Also constipation. Finally, after two weeks, things seemed to settle down.
I have what the doctors have deemed to be a slightly compromised liver, a hereditary condition, with liver cysts. There's no way to tell if this was the result of zetia, but I'm not willing to risk another trial. I was quite sick and wondered if I should go to the ER.
Statins are like poison to me, no way can I take them, either. I so hoped the zetia would work out.