Zetia Side Effects
Generic Name: ezetimibe
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 23, 2020.
Note: This document contains side effect information about ezetimibe. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Zetia.
For the Consumer
Applies to ezetimibe: oral tablet
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention
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.
Frequency not determined
- 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
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention
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:
More common
- Fever
- headache
- muscle pain
- runny nose
- sore throat
Less common
- 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]
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
3. "Product Information. Zetia (ezetimibe)." Schering-Plough Corporation, Kenilworth, NJ.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this better than a statin?
- Does it affect blood pressure?
- How does it work to lower cholesterol?
- Is it a statin drug/medication?
- Can it cause weight gain or loss?
- What happens if you stop taking it?
- Does it lower triglycerides?
- When is the best time to take it?
- When should you take it?
- When is the best time to take it?
- Is it a statin drug?
- Can it be used with statin drugs?
More about Zetia (ezetimibe)
- During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Dosage Information
- Patient Tips
- Drug Images
- Drug Interactions
- Compare Alternatives
- Support Group
- Pricing & Coupons
- En Español
- 58 Reviews
- Generic Availability
- Drug class: cholesterol absorption inhibitors
- FDA Alerts (2)
Consumer resources
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
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.