Ezesim^®

Ezesim^® contains the active substances ezetimibe and simvastatin.

Ezesim^® is a medicine used to lower blood levels of total cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) as well as fatty substances called triglycerides. In addition, Ezesim^® increases the levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL cholesterol).

Ezesim^® lowers cholesterol levels through two mechanisms of action. The active ingredient ezetimibe reduces the absorption of cholesterol from the digestive tract. The active ingredient simvastatin, from the class of “statins”, inhibits the body’s own production of cholesterol in the liver. Cholesterol is one of several fatty substances found in the blood. Its total cholesterol consists mainly of LDL and HDL cholesterol.

LDL cholesterol is often called “bad” cholesterol because it accumulates in the vessel walls of arteries and can be deposited as so-called plaques. These plaques can eventually lead to narrowing of the arteries. This narrowing can subsequently lead to a circulatory disorder or blockage of a vessel of vital organs such as the heart or brain. A vessel blockage can trigger a heart attack or stroke.

HDL cholesterol is often called “good” cholesterol because it helps prevent “bad” cholesterol from being deposited in the arteries, thus preventing heart disease.

Triglycerides are another type of blood fat that can also increase the risk of heart disease.

Ezesim^® is used in patients whose cholesterol levels cannot be controlled by a cholesterol-lowering diet alone. A cholesterol-lowering diet must be continued during treatment with this medicine.

Ezesim^® is taken in addition to a cholesterol-lowering diet if you:

• have elevated blood cholesterol levels (primary hypercholesterolaemia – familial heterozygous and non-familial heterozygous) or have elevated blood fat levels (mixed hyperlipidaemia),
  • which cannot be adequately treated with a statin alone.
  • For which a statin and ezetimibe must be taken separately as tablets.
• has a hereditary condition (homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia) that increases the level of cholesterol in the blood. You may be given additional treatment.
• has heart disease. Ezesim^® reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, as well as the risk of having surgery to improve blood flow to the heart or being hospitalised for chest pain.

Ezesim^® does not help to lose body weight.