Zetia Alternatives

Zetia is a prescription cholesterol-lowering medication that works in the digestive tract by reducing the amount of cholesterol and other sterols the body absorbs through food. Zetia may not be an appropriate treatment for some individuals because of this. Alternatives to Zetia include combination drug therapies, statins, supplements and lifestyle changes. Your doctor will determine which cholesterol medication best meets your treatment needs.

Vytorin

• Vytorin is a combination drug consisting of Zetia and Zocor. Zocor is a statin that lowers levels of "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Side effects of Vytorin include muscle pain or weakness, tiredness, swelling, weight gain or upset stomach. Vytorin is considered a long-term treatment for cholesterol, so you may need to continue taking it indefinitely.

Statins

• Statins block cholesterol production in the body or reabsorb cholesterol that has formed plaque in your arteries. They are highly effective at reducing cholesterol, and some may also reduce the risk of heart disease. Several statins are currently available in both brand and generic forms, including Crestor, Lipitor, Pravachol and its generic, pravastatin, and Zocor and its generic, simvastatin. Side effects of statins include muscle pain or weakness, nausea, constipation, diarrhea and liver damage. Statins are considered a long-term treatment option, meaning you will have to continue taking them indefinitely to manage your cholesterol unless you make significant changes to your weight or diet.

Niacin

• Niacin is a B vitamin used to raise "good" cholesterol and decrease "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Niacin is available in both prescription and over-the-counter dosages, but it should only be taken under your doctor's supervision because of the risk of side effects. Common side effects of niacin include flushing, headache, dizziness, upset stomach, increased blood sugar and liver damage. Your doctor may prescribe niacin alone or combined with other cholesterol medications.

Lifestyle Changes

• Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes before prescribing a cholesterol-lowering medication, especially if high cholesterol numbers are your only risk factor for heart disease. Lifestyle changes that may lower cholesterol include eating a healthy, high-fiber diet that limits saturated fat and sodium, exercising regularly and losing excess weight. Your doctor will monitor the effects of these lifestyle changes to determine if a cholesterol medication is needed. Lifestyle changes may also improve the effects of cholesterol medications.