Zetia Side Effects

Generic name: ezetimibe

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Apr 30, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Zetia.

Applies to ezetimibe: oral tablet Side Effects associated with ezetimibe. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Zetia.

Applies to ezetimibe: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.

Check with your doctor right away if you have dark urine, fever, muscle cramps or spasms, muscular pain, stiffness, tenderness, wasting or weakness, or unusual tiredness or weakness. These could be symptoms of a serious muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis and myopathy.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

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:

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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ezetimibe: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions during both use of this drug as monotherapy or in combination with other lipid-lowering therapies included upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, arthralgia, increased liver enzymes, cholecystectomy, headache, sinusitis, pain in extremity, fatigue, influenza, nasopharyngitis, myalgia, and back pain. Clinical studies in pediatric patients were not of sufficient duration to detect long-term adverse effects.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hot flush, hypertension

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus
• Postmarketing reports: Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilic and systemic symptoms (DRESS)

and erythema multiforme

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, dry mouth, gastritis
• Postmarketing reports: Pancreatitis, nausea, constipation

Hematologic

• Postmarketing reports: Thrombocytopenia

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Cholecystectomy, hepatic transaminase elevations 3 times the upper limit of normal (3 x ULN), increased ALT and/or AST
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, abnormal liver function tests
• Postmarketing reports: Elevations in liver transaminases (including greater than 5 x ULN), hepatitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, drug-induced liver injury

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, and urticaria

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, myalgia, back pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle spasms, neck pain, muscular weakness, myopathy/rhabdomyolysis
• Postmarketing reports: Elevated creatine phosphokinase

Nervous system

• Postmarketing reports: Dizziness, paresthesia, headache

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Pain in extremity, fatigue, influenza
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Decreased appetite, chest pain, pain, asthenia, peripheral edema

Psychiatric

• Postmarketing reports: Depression

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%):Upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cough

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Does Zetia (ezetimibe) cause memory loss?
• Can Zetia (ezetimibe) cause liver damage?
• How does Zetia (ezetimibe) work to lower cholesterol?
• Is Zetia a statin drug/medication?
• Does Zetia (ezetimibe) cause weight gain/loss or muscle aches/pains?
• Is Zetia better than a statin?
• Does Zetia affect blood pressure?
• When is the best time to take Zetia?

Further information

Zetia side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer