Zetia and Muscle Problems

• Myalgia, which is defined as muscle pain, can be an adverse reaction with the use of Zetia. This popular medicine can also cause arthralgia (joint pain) and back pain.
  
  

Symptoms of Myalgia with Zetia Usage

• Some of the signs and symptoms are muscle weakness, cramps, or myopathy, which means any type of damage or inflammation of the muscles. Called statin-myopathy it can result, rarely, in a condition known as rhabdomyolysis, which is destruction of muscle tissue. This can also lead to kidney failure.
  
  

Rhabdomyolysis and Zetia

• This severe adverse reaction to Zetia can cause muscle swelling and pain. It also turns the urine red. Rhabdomyolysis can be life-threatening and in some cases kidney dialysis is required.
  
  

Resolving Muscle Problems Caused by Zetia

• The patient experiencing problems using Zetia should stop taking this medication and notify her physician immediately of muscle pain, weakness, or swelling. In addition to dialysis, intravenous fluids are sometimes necessary to treat rhabdomyolysis. But it must be reiterated that halting the use of Zetia is the first step in resolving statin myopathy.
  
  

Other Medications to Replace Zetia

• If Zetia fails as a medicine for you there are alternative drugs your care provider can prescribe for you. The list of alternative medicines include; Lipitor, Baycol, Questran, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Zocor. It is important to discuss these medications with your doctor. Some research by yourself would help you understand their uses and possible side effects.