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Zetia Side Effects

Generic name: ezetimibe

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on May 1, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about ezetimibe. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Zetia.

Applies to ezetimibe: oral tablets.

Side effects include:

Ezetimibe (the active ingredient contained in Zetia) monotherapy: Upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, arthralgia, sinusitis, pain in extremity, fatigue, influenza.

Ezetimibe in fixed combination with simvastatin: Headache, increased ALT, myalgia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea.

Ezetimibe in fixed combination with bempedoic acid: Upper respiratory tract infection, muscle spasms, hyperuricemia, back pain, abdominal pain or discomfort, bronchitis, extremity pain, anemia, increased hepatic enzymes, diarrhea, arthralgia, sinusitis, fatigue, influenza.

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]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Product Information. Zetia (ezetimibe). Schering-Plough Corporation. 2002.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

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.