Zetia
(ezetimibe)
Lowers cholesterol.
Our bottom line
Zetia (ezetimibe) can improve your cholesterol and can be used as an alternative to statins.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (ezetimibe)
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.
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What to expect from Zetia, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
128Downsides
- 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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What to expect from Zetia, on one page
Download Fact SheetZetia (ezetimibe) is a cholesterol-lowering medicine. It stops your body from absorbing cholesterol in food and helps process other forms of cholesterol.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (ezetimibe)
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon
$27.14 - CostcoGet free coupon$27.17
What to expect when you take Zetia (ezetimibe) for High cholesterol
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Limb pain
- Tiredness
Side effect rates for Zetia (ezetimibe)
- Diarrhea4%4%4%4%
- Common cold4%4%3%3%
- Sore throat4%4%
- Sinus infection3%3%2%2%
- Joint pain3%3%2%2%
- Pain in arms and legs3%3%2%2%
- Diarrhea3%3%
- Common cold3%3%
- Muscle pain3%3%
- Abnormal liver tests3%3%
- Fatigue2%2%2%2%
- Flu2%2%1%1%
- Fatigue2%2%
- Flu2%2%
- Joint pain2%2%
- Back pain2%2%
- Pain in arms and legs2%2%
- Gallbladder removal2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Zetia.
People taking Zetia felt side effect more
People taking Zetia felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Zetia (ezetimibe)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Talk to your doctor if you're taking Zetia (ezetimibe) and want to get pregnant
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats high cholesterol in individuals with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.Common concerns from people taking Zetia (ezetimibe)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Zetia (ezetimibe) can hurt your liver, especially if it is used with statins. Talk to your doctor if you have liver disease.