AboutNigel Simmons Expertise I am happy to answer general questions on medicines and hospital care. If possible, please use approved / chemical names rather than brands which are not internationally recognised.
Like all health professionals I am bound by a duty of care which prevents me giving detailed information about medication or treatment of people other than the questioner.
I will endeavour to help wherever possible or point towards more appropriate advice. If however your question crosses too far into patient confidentiality, I hope you will understand why I cannot answer your question.
Consider.. would you want me to discuss your care with a friend or relative without your knowledge?
Experience Registered as a UK pharmacist in 1982 and have worked in a number of hospital and health management posts around the UK. Formerly Chief Pharmacist for a 440 bed general hospital in Cambridgeshire.
Past/Present clients Previously Sysop on CompuServe UK Professionals forum.
Expert: Nigel Simmons Date: 5/9/2008 Subject: Ezetimibe treatment for cholesterol
Question Dr., another answer on this site mentioned that this medication is helpful for folks who cannot reduce the cholesterol in their diet. In my case, I have avoided eggs, liver, and other high cholesterol foods, and eat a healthy, low-fat diet, except that I do eat walnuts, almonds, and peanuts for snacks (high 'good' fat). I'm 64, weigh 160 lbs, exercise nearly daily, and need a 30% reduction in cholesterol (my total ch. is under 200). Will this medication do much for someone who already seeks a lower-cholesterol diet?
Answer Jim
Ezetimibe (Ezetrol in the UK) is licensed for the following conditions:
"++Primary hypercholesterolaemia
'Ezetrol', co-administered with an HMGCoA reductase inhibitor (statin) is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for use in patients with primary (heterozygous familial and non-familial) hypercholesterolaemia who are not appropriately controlled with a statin alone.
'Ezetrol' monotherapy is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for use in patients with primary (heterozygous familial and non-familial) hypercholesterolaemia in whom a statin is considered inappropriate or is not tolerated.
'Ezetrol' co-administered with a statin, is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for use in patients with HoFH. Patients may also receive adjunctive treatments (e.g. LDL apheresis).
++ Homozygous sitosterolaemia (phytosterolaemia)
'Ezetrol' is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for use in patients with homozygous familial sitosterolaemia.
Studies to demonstrate the efficacy of 'Ezetrol' in the prevention of complications of atherosclerosis have not yet been completed."
You do not give sufficient detail to determine which of the various conditions applies to you. My recommendation would be to discuss the extent of your problem with your general physician or a specialist. I would not recommend self-treatment using a remote / on-line physician who cannot give proper clinical care.
If you are not already taking a statin, that would be the normal first choice. However, a proper assessment is needed because diet will not effectively control a genetic condition that pre-disposes you to high cholesterol.
