Compare Omega 3 Acid vs. Zetia

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Lovaza (Omega-3 Acid)

Prescription only

Zetia (ezetimibe)

Prescription only
Lowers triglycerides.

Omega-3 Acid is good for lowering triglycerides (fats), but some people can't take it due to allergies.

3.6/ 5 average rating with 46 reviewsforOmega 3 Acid
Lowers cholesterol.

Zetia (ezetimibe) can improve your cholesterol and can be used as an alternative to statins.

3.3/ 5 average rating with 128 reviewsforZetia
Upsides
  • Lowers triglycerides (fats) when combined with exercise and a low cholesterol diet.
  • In studies, Omega-3 Acid has lowered the risk of stroke and heart attack leading to death, especially in people with high cholesterol or high triglycerides.
  • Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) in people who have trouble doing this through diet and exercise.
  • Can be used with other medicines to improve cholesterol.
  • Available in a combination pill with simvastatin.
  • Available as a generic.
Downsides
  • You can't take it if you're allergic to fish or shellfish.
  • You have to take it with food.
  • Doesn't lower triglycerides (fats).
  • Hasn't been shown to lower the risk of heart attacks or heart disease.
  • By itself, it isn't as effective as statins for improving cholesterol.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
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Reviews
46 reviews so far
59%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
28%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Lovaza (Omega-3 Acid)?

Leave a review
128 reviews so far
42%
saidit'sworth it
34%
saiditworked well
21%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Zetia (ezetimibe)?

Leave a review
Side effects
3possible side effects
  • Eructation
    4%
  • Taste perversion
    4%
  • Dyspepsia
    3%
See more detailed side effects
12possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
    4%
  • Common cold
    4%
  • Sore throat
    4%
  • Sinus infection
    3%
  • Joint pain
    3%
  • Pain in arms and legs
    3%
  • Muscle pain
    3%
  • Abnormal liver tests
    3%
  • Fatigue
    2%
  • Flu
    2%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Gallbladder removal
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Allergic reactions
    • Allergy to fish or shellfish
  • Heart flutter
    • Atrial fibrillation
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Harm to fetus
  • Muscle pain
    • Taking Zetia (ezetimibe) with statins
  • Abnormal liver blood tests
    • Past history of liver disease
    • Taking Zetia (ezetimibe) with statins
See more detailed risks and warnings