Zetia Side Effects
Generic name: ezetimibe
Note: This document contains side effect information about ezetimibe. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Zetia.
Applies to ezetimibe: oral tablet.
Serious side effects of Zetia
Along with its needed effects, ezetimibe (the active ingredient contained in Zetia) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ezetimibe:
Less common
- Body aches or pain
- chills
- cough
- diarrhea
- ear congestion
- fever
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- headache
- loss of appetite
- loss of voice
- muscle aches and pains
- nausea
- shivering
- sneezing
- sore throat
- stuffy or runny nose
- sweating
- trouble sleeping
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
Incidence not known
- Black, tarry stools
- bleeding gums
- bloating
- blood in the urine or stools
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- chest tightness
- constipation
- darkened urine
- difficulty swallowing
- discouragement
- fast heartbeat
- feeling sad or empty
- gaseous stomach pain
- hives, itching, skin rash
- indigestion
- irritability
- large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- light-colored stools
- loss of interest or pleasure
- muscle cramps, pain, spasms, stiffness, tenderness, wasting, or weakness
- pains in stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- stomach pain
- trouble concentrating
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- yellow eyes or skin
Other side effects of Zetia
Some side effects of ezetimibe may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- Back pain
- difficulty in moving
- joint pain
- pain in the arms or legs
- pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to ezetimibe: oral tablet.
General
The most frequently reported side effects were upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, arthralgia, sinusitis, and pain in extremity.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, nausea
Postmarketing reports: Pancreatitis, constipation[Ref]
Immunologic
Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, pain in extremity
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle spasms, neck pain
Postmarketing reports: Myalgia, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis[Ref]
Respiratory
Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cough
Postmarketing reports: Dyspnea[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reaction[Ref]
Hepatic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gamma-glutamyltransferase increased, liver function test abnormal, AST/ALT increased
Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis, liver transaminases increased, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis[Ref]
Hematologic
Postmarketing reports: Thrombocytopenia[Ref]
Nervous system
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness
Postmarketing reports: Paresthesia, headache[Ref]
Psychiatric
Postmarketing reports: Depression[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hot flush, hypertension[Ref]
Dermatologic
Postmarketing reports: Angioedema, rash, urticaria, erythema multiforme[Ref]
Metabolic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Appetite decreased[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, influenza
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chest pain, pain, creatine phosphokinase increased
Postmarketing reports: Asthenia[Ref]
Frequently asked questions
- Does Zetia (ezetimibe) cause memory loss?
- Can Zetia (ezetimibe) cause liver damage?
- How does it work to lower cholesterol?
- Is it a statin drug/medication?
- Can it cause weight gain or loss?
- Is this better than a statin?
- Does it affect blood pressure?
- When is the best time to take it?
More about Zetia (ezetimibe)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (73)
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Support group
- Drug class: cholesterol absorption inhibitors
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. Product Information. Zetia (ezetimibe). Schering-Plough Corporation. 2002.
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.