Ezetimibe has been touted as a new cholesterol drug in a recent article in The Star. It acts by inhibiting specifically the absorption of cholesterol from the gut and is of particular benefit to patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition that results from the lack of LDL (bad cholesterol) receptors in the body. Its efficacy is said to be better if combined with a statin drug (statins inhibit the production of cholesterol in the body). It can also be useful in patients that are unable to take statin drugs.

Statin drugs has been linked to drug induced hepatitis and rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue). Despite the fact that these side effects are said to be rare, I actually to see a considerable number of cases with rhabdomyolysis. The drug will then have to be stopped. The alternative at this moment will be fibrates which is less effective for cholesterol lowering, and bile acid sequestrants which is associated with considerable gastrointestinal side effects.

SO the arrival of Ezetimibe may offer patients intolerable to statins, an alternative. Perhaps we could lower the dose of statins when Ezetimibe is given. Preliminary studies have shown a good safety profile with no side effects or drug interactions. There has been no reported increase in incidence of rhabdomyolysis and hepatitis when used with a statin drug. HOwever, patients with liver disease should not take this drug.

Tried looking up the drug on the BPFK(Badan Pengawalan Farmaseutikal Kebangsaan) website but it appears their server is down.. Will try again later and update this information.

UPDATE : Ezcetimibe is registered under the name Ezetrol by Merck, Sharpe, Dohme and so is available in Malaysia.

British Heart Foundation
DiabeteSuffolk
Lipids Online