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Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Kathy C asks

Q: zetia vs pravachol - which and why?

My Dr. has recommended Zetia in the past (which I've chosen not to start yet - trying with exercise and diet) and with my last tests has now recommended Pravachol instead.  Still want to try on my own, but numbers have gone up.  Will both serve the same purpose? Thanks.  (Why is there no green 'answer this' space here?)

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8/ 6/08 2:49pm

Zetia blocks absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, while pravachol blocks the formation of cholesterol by your own body. While Zetia is a newer medication, Pravachol has been extensively studied and verified for efficacy and safety. Zetia is most often used in addition to Pravachol because the combination of the two medications is more effective than using pravachol alone. Your doctor may be choosing Pravachol now to use something that is likely to work without adding second agent, especially since your levels are increasing.

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