Ezetimibe

No, Ezetimibe is not a blood thinner. It belongs to cholesterol-lowering group of medicines. It is a medicine which is used along with lifestyle changes to reduce cholesterol levels and other fatty substances in the blood.

Since Ezetimibe is meant to decrease blood cholesterol levels, for best results avoid foods which are high in calories like chips, burgers, fried food, etc. Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietician.

Ezetimibe, when used with another cholesterol-lowering medicine (statin), may commonly cause an increase in liver enzymes. However, if it is used alone, then chances of increase in liver enzymes are uncommon. Your doctor will get blood tests done to check your liver function before starting and during treatment with Ezetimibe.

You can take Ezetimibe at anytime of the day. Take it exactly as advised by your doctor. You can take it with or without food.

You should avoid alcohol while taking Ezetimibe since it may increase your risk of getting side effects in the liver. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Muscle pain may occur when Ezetimibe is used with a statin. It usually does not occur when Ezetimibe is used alone. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain or weakness. This is because on rare occasions, muscle problems, including muscle breakdown which may result in kidney damage can be serious and may become a potentially fatal condition.

No, Ezetimibe does not raise blood sugar levels. In fact, it may be helpful for patients with diabetes since it helps in improving insulin resistance and also kidney function. Ezetimibe has not been shown to have any direct effect on blood sugar levels.