Phytosterols

• Phytosterols suggested uses include high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
• Phytosterols have been proven effective in lowering LDL in conjunction with diet and exercise.
• Phytosterols improve urinary symptoms with BPH.
• Phytosterols are available under the following different brand names: Bayer Heart Health Advantage, benecol margarine, cholestatin, and stigmasterol.

Dosages of Phytosterols:

• Dosages vary; see product labels

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Hypercholesterolemia

• 1200 mg/day once daily capsules
• 1-2 tablespoons 1-3 times daily as functional foods (margarine, salad dressing)
• Bayer Heart Health Advantage
• 12 years or older: 400 mg once daily BID with meals

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

• 60-130 mg/day once daily divided 2-3 times daily of beta-sitosterol

Side effects of Phytosterols include:

• Yellowish skin lesions containing lipids (xanthomatosis)
• Hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis) in patients with sitosterolemia (very rare)

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Phytosterols have no listed interactions with other drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

• This medication contains phytosterols. Do not take Bayer Heart Health Advantage, benecol margarine, cholestatin, or stigmasterol if you are allergic to phytosterols or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• N/A

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information is available.

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Phytosterols?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Phytosterols?"

Cautions

• No information is available.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• There is no information available about the use of phytosterols during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor.