Compare Zetia vs. Niaspan

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

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Zetia (ezetimibe)

Prescription only

Niaspan (Niacin)

Prescription only
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
Lowers cholesterol.

Niaspan (Niacin) lowers triglycerides, but isn't as good as statins for improving cholesterol levels.

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3.2/ 5 average rating with 380 reviewsforNiaspan
Upsides
  • 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.
  • Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) in people who have trouble doing this through diet and exercise.
  • Good for lowering triglycerides (fats).
Downsides
  • 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.
  • By itself, Niaspan (Niacin) isn't as effective as statins for improving cholesterol levels.
  • It can cause flushing and stomach pain or discomfort.
  • You need to take it before bedtime with a low-fat snack.
  • If you miss doses often, you may need to re-start taking the medicine more regularly at a lower dose.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$9.26
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Lowest price
$17.79
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Reviews
128 reviews so far
42%
saidit'sworth it
34%
saiditworked well
21%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Zetia (ezetimibe)?

Leave a review
380 reviews so far
43%
saidit'sworth it
31%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Niaspan (Niacin)?

Leave a review
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
6possible side effects
  • Flushing
    68%
  • Itching
    8%
  • Diarrhea
    7%
  • Nausea
    5%
  • Rash
    5%
  • Cough increased
    3%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • 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
  • Muscle pain
    • Taking Niaspan (Niacin) with statins
  • Liver damage
    • Heavy alcohol use
    • Past history of liver disease
  • High blood sugar
    • Diabetes
  • Low platelets
    • Taking Niaspan (Niacin) with anticoagulants
  • Gout
    • Gout
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Zetia (ezetimibe)
Learn more about Niaspan (Niacin)