Compare Zetia vs. simvastatin

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

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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.

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3.3/ 5 average rating with 128 reviewsforZetia
Lowers cholesterol.

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

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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).
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$18.25
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Lowest price
$246.91
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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
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)