Zetia Side Effects

Generic name: ezetimibe

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Apr 30, 2024.

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

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.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer