Compare Zetia vs. simvastatin

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Zetia (ezetimibe)

Prescription only

Zocor (simvastatin)

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.

Zocor (simvastatin) is a good medication to improve your cholesterol.

●●●●●
3.8/ 5 average rating with 1176 reviewsforsimvastatin
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.
  • Can lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death, particularly if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or a history of smoking.
  • Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) in people who have trouble doing this through diet and exercise.
  • Available in generic.
  • Available in combination pills with other cholesterol medicines.
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.
  • You are at higher risk for side effects if you are female, are 65 years or older, drink alcohol every day, or have liver disease, kidney disease, or diabetes.
  • Not safe to use if you're pregnant.
  • Can have more drug interactions than some other drugs in the same class (statins).
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$21.28
Find instant savings near you
Lowest price
$247.78
Find instant savings near you
Want to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
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
1176 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Zocor (simvastatin)?

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
14possible side effects
  • Bronchitis
    7%
  • Abdominal pain
    6%
  • Atrial fibrillation
    6%
  • Stomach problems
    5%
  • Balance problems
    5%
  • Eczema
    5%
  • Diabetes
    4%
  • Muscle pain
    4%
  • Insomnia
    4%
  • Edema/swelling
    3%
  • Headache
    3%
  • Infection, urinary tract
    3%
  • Constipation
    2%
  • Sinus infection
    2%
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 and kidney damage
    • Kidney disease
    • High dose of Zocor (simvastatin)
    • Combining Zocor (simvastatin) with other cholesterol-lowering drugs
    • Older age
    • Female gender
  • Liver damage
    • Heavy alcohol use
    • History of chronic liver disease
  • Harm to unborn baby
    • Pregnancy
    • Breast feeding
  • Drug interactions
    • Certain drugs can increase the dose of Zocor (simvastatin) in the body
  • High blood sugar
    • History of high blood sugar
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Zetia (ezetimibe)
Learn more about Zocor (simvastatin)