GERD and Zetia

[jeannybeanny]

I am a 63 years old woman. I have high cholesterol and take meds for that.  Ever since I started taking Zetia and Fenofibrate together as recommended by my DR, I have put on pounds, am more bloated around the belly,a nd have persistent chest pains.   I noticed this has occurred ever since I have been on cholesterol lowering meds, but is more noticeable in the past year with the new combination of drugs.  I mentioned this to my DR and he said I need the drugs because of my High Cholesterol.  What do you think?

[czarboom]

could be a interaction or allergy to the combination of the two medicaiton

From the waring label on Zetia when taken with Fenfibrate:

Fenofibrate
If cholelithiasis is suspected in a patient receiving ZETIA and fenofibrate, gallbladder studies are indicated and alternative lipid-lowering therapy should be considered [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and the product labeling for fenofibrate].
Choleithiasis is Gallstones in the gallbladder.  Ask about it.
Use this site or the FDAs website to look up the drug interactions and precautions when taking the two drugs together, and if you Dr is not hearing it, then go to another DR.  If you feel the issues are life threatening go to the ER and get treated.  Always read the information that comes with your medications and always ask for the most generic and oldest drug that they can give you for your conditions.  This will make the payment cheaper, and also give you drugs that have a 10 yr plus track record for safety and side effects.  
Good luck

[DebbLW1]

I think it's time for you to find a new doctor.  While you may definately need the cholestrol lowering drugs right now, chest pain, weight gain and bloating are not to be ignored.  There are many good drugs on the market which may not give you such severe side effects.  There are also good diets which dramatically affect your cholesterol levels.  I have had very good results following the diet in the Digest Diet book, put out by Reader's Digest.  It is really similar to a Mediterranean diet, with lots of high fiber, low fat choices, with lean meats, fresh fruits & veggies.  Good Health!

[mkh9]

Hi and sorry you have these problems. The Fenofibrate can  cause bloating indigestion, stomach pain, and increased liver enzymes or liver problems in addition to other side effects. The Zetia can cause some of these too.  Have they tested your liver enzymes yet? If so were they normal? There are other drugs for lowering cholesterol and triglycerides that work as well. You can ask him to have you try Lipitor (generic) and there is now a generic Niaspan. I know because my husband is on it. You should try to change your diet to no oil and more plant based less meat or no meat and whole grains. You actually will get enough protein. No cheese because that has loads of fat. That will help with the cholesterol, blood pressure and weight. If you don't want to that is ok. I have a website you can read or a book www.drmcdougall.com and/or the Starch Solution by Dr. McDougall or see the DVD Forks over Knives. It is really good. Anyway in the meantime I hope that you can have your doctor change your meds. It sounds like they are causing you problems.. I hope this helped.