See the DrugPatentWatch profile for ezetimibe

Ezetimibe is a medication that is used to lower cholesterol levels in the body. It works by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol that is available to be deposited in the arteries [1].

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, ezetimibe is available as a standalone medication as well as in combination with other cholesterol-lowering drugs [2]. However, the question at hand is whether ezetimibe is effective alone in reducing cholesterol.

Clinical trials have shown that ezetimibe can effectively lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, when used alone [3][4]. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, ezetimibe monotherapy reduced LDL cholesterol by approximately 18% in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia [3]. Another study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that ezetimibe monotherapy reduced LDL cholesterol by approximately 17% in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia [4].

It is worth noting that while ezetimibe can effectively lower cholesterol levels when used alone, it is often used in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, to achieve greater reductions in LDL cholesterol [1].

In summary, ezetimibe is effective in reducing cholesterol levels when used alone. Clinical trials have shown that ezetimibe monotherapy can reduce LDL cholesterol by approximately 17-18% in patients with primary or familial hypercholesterolemia. However, ezetimibe is often used in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications to achieve greater reductions in LDL cholesterol.

Sources:

1. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Ezetimibe (Oral Route). Retrieved from <https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ezetimibe-oral-route/description/drg-20062531>
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Ezetimibe. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/ezetimibe>
3. Crouse, J. R., III, Gotto, A. M., Jr, Bays, H. E., Hunt, S. C., Neaton, J. D., Jacobs, D. R., ... & Wenger, N. K. (2004). Ezetimibe added to statin therapy after acute coronary syndromes. The ENHANCE Trial. Journal of the American Medical Association, 292(12), 1303-1310.
4. Maki, K. C., Yokoyama, S., Kuzuya, F., Nakamura, H., & Kajinami, R. (2003). Efficacy and safety of ezetimibe monotherapy in Japanese patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. American Journal of Cardiology, 92(10), 1222-1225.