Zetia Side Effects

Generic Name: ezetimibe

Note: This page contains side effects data for the generic drug ezetimibe. It is possible that some of the dosage forms included below may not apply to the brand name Zetia.

For the Consumer

Applies to ezetimibe: oral tablet

As well as its needed effects, ezetimibe (the active ingredient contained in Zetia) may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.

• Abdominal fullness
• black tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• bloating
• blood in urine or stools
• chills
• constipation
• darkened urine
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• gaseous abdominal pain
• general tiredness or weakness
• indigestion
• large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, sex organs
• loss of appetite
• light-colored stools
• muscle cramps or spasms
• muscular tenderness, wasting or weakness
• nausea
• pains in stomach, side or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
• pinpoint red spots on skin
• recurrent fever
• severe nausea
• skin rash
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• upper right abdominal pain
• vomiting
• yellow eyes or skin

Minor Side Effects

Some ezetimibe side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them:

• Fever
• headache
• muscle pain
• runny nose
• sore throat

• Back pain
• body aches or pain
• chest pain
• chills
• cold or flu-like symptoms
• congestion
• coughing
• diarrhea
• difficulty in moving
• dizziness
• dryness or soreness of throat
• hoarseness
• muscle pain or stiffness
• pain in joints
• pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones
• shortness of breath or troubled breathing
• stomach pain
• stuffy nose
• tender, swollen glands in neck
• tightness of chest or wheezing
• trouble in swallowing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• voice changes

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]

It is possible that some side effects of Zetia may not have been reported. These can be reported to the FDA here. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

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