A Different Option To Help Treat Elevated Cholesterol a (NAPSA)—Though many peo- ple have heard that high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, millions who require drug therapy in addition to diet and exercise remain untreated. In treating high cholesterol, physicians will frequently prescribe a medicine called a statin, which works mainly with the liver to decrease cholesterol in the bloodstream. There are other options available. Physicians will determine the appropriate treatment option based on their patients’ needs. (@ Bay ( ' off y, 1K yy ly TD |SsN Ro MES , SS, & be taken with a statin for the treatment of high cholesterol. ZETIA” (ezetimibe) is one option When ZETIA is prescribed with a statin, it should not be taken by digestive tract, as do other medi- nant, or by anyone with active liver disease. Statins should not that, along with diet and exercise, can help lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol. This medicine works in the cines, but ZETIA is unique in the way it helps to block absorption of cholesterol that comes from food. In a clinical study in patients with an average LDL of 167 mg/dL, ZETIA lowered the bad cholesterol by as much as 30 points or 18 percent. These are average results. Individ- ual results may vary. “Diet and exercise are important steps to take in helping to lower elevated cholesterol,” said Dr. Christopher Cannon,a cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School. “However, if your doctor thinks that a medicine is required to reduce your cholesterol even fur- ther, then ZETIA may be an option worth considering.” ZETIA has not been shown to prevent heart disease or heart attacks. Important Information ZETIA is a prescription med- ication and should not be taken by people who are allergic to any of its ingredients. ZETIA mayalso women who are nursing or pregnant or who may become preg- be taken by anyone with these conditions. If you have ever had liver problems or are pregnant or nursing, your doctor will decide if ZETIAis right for you. Your doctor may do blood tests to check your liver before you start taking ZETIA with a statin and during treatment. Tell your doctor if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or any medical problems while on ZETIA. In clinical studies patients reported few side effects while tak- ing ZETIA. These include stomach pain andfeeling tired. Tell your doctor if you are having these or any other medical problems while on ZETIA. For a complete list of side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can find more information about the two sources of cholesterol and ZETIA by talking to your doctor or visiting www.zetia.com. Please see the adjacent patient product information.
