Zetia Side Effects
Generic name: ezetimibe
Note: This document provides detailed information about Zetia 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.
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 side effects
- 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 side effects
- 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 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
References
1. (2024) "Product Information. Ezetimibe (ezetimibe)." Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc
2. (2024) "Product Information. Ezetimibe (Apo) (ezetimibe)." Apotex Pty Ltd
3. (2024) "Product Information. Ezetimibe (ezetimibe)." Sandoz Ltd
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?
More about Zetia (ezetimibe)
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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.
