Is Zetia better than a statin?

Whether Zetia is better or worse than a statin at reducing cholesterol depends on the individual patient.

Zetia and statins reduce cholesterol each with their own different mode of action.

• Ezetimibe blocks cholesterol being absorbed from the small intestine
• Statins reduce the amount of cholesterol and lipoproteins that our bodies produce, by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase.

The best cholesterol lowering medication for each individual is the medication that reduces your cholesterol adequately and without side effects.

• Some patients may take either a Zetia or statin and it may reduce their cholesterol adequately without side effects .
• Other patients may develop side effects and need to be changed to a different drug.
• Another group of patients may find that one medication may not reduce their cholesterol levels significantly, so another medication may be added into the treatment regime.

There is a lot of variation between individuals and how and what they respond to best. Your doctor will monitor your results and side effects and will adjust your medication regime to suit your individual requirements.