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What Causes Diarrhea While On Zetia?
Question: Yes, my doctor took me off Wholchol because she thought it wasn't working well for me. Put me on Zetia and I got diaherra very bad- still have it. Been watching my diet closely (Bananna, rice, apple, toast, lots of water. I think I must have a virus or something. Experiencing no fever, stopped meds except blood pressure and several Tylenol. Do you think I can take a new prescription for the diaherra?
Brief Answer:
Could be a side effect or a virus, needs to be investigated
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Diarrhoea is a common (not very) side effect of taking zetia, and so to suspect a virus and to rule it out we will first have to conduct a few tests.
A blood test (to look for any signs of an infection, which should be seen if there is indeed a virus), and a stool analysis which will also confirm signs of an infection. But if there are no such indications of an infection, then we should suspect the diarrhoea to be a side effect of taking zetia.
In either case, you should visit a clinic or medical centre for the tests, but in the meantime to help you with your diarrhoea, or at least help suppress it and prevent complications, here are a few suggestions ma'am:
+Drink plenty of water as dehydration is one of the main complications of diarrhoea
+Start on an ORS (oral rehydration solution) which is easily available at any medical store over-the-counter and helps in replenishing lost electrolytes
+Soft diet
+Avoid fried food, oily food, fatty food, and spicy food
+Loperamide containing tablet (also available over-the-counter) and helps reduce or prevent diarrhoea
Please do take some time off and visit your doctor for a diagnosis and further management ma'am. In the meantime, if at all you do have any further clarifications, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Could be a side effect or a virus, needs to be investigated
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Diarrhoea is a common (not very) side effect of taking zetia, and so to suspect a virus and to rule it out we will first have to conduct a few tests.
A blood test (to look for any signs of an infection, which should be seen if there is indeed a virus), and a stool analysis which will also confirm signs of an infection. But if there are no such indications of an infection, then we should suspect the diarrhoea to be a side effect of taking zetia.
In either case, you should visit a clinic or medical centre for the tests, but in the meantime to help you with your diarrhoea, or at least help suppress it and prevent complications, here are a few suggestions ma'am:
+Drink plenty of water as dehydration is one of the main complications of diarrhoea
+Start on an ORS (oral rehydration solution) which is easily available at any medical store over-the-counter and helps in replenishing lost electrolytes
+Soft diet
+Avoid fried food, oily food, fatty food, and spicy food
+Loperamide containing tablet (also available over-the-counter) and helps reduce or prevent diarrhoea
Please do take some time off and visit your doctor for a diagnosis and further management ma'am. In the meantime, if at all you do have any further clarifications, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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