Zetia Side Effects

Generic name: ezetimibe

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

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 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

• 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

• 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

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

• Does Zetia (ezetimibe) cause memory loss?
• Can Zetia (ezetimibe) cause liver damage?
• How does it work to lower cholesterol?
• Is it a statin drug/medication?
• Can it cause weight gain or loss?
• Is this better than a statin?
• Does it affect blood pressure?
• When is the best time to take it?

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.

Medical Disclaimer