Zetia Side Effects (Cont.)

Common Side Effects of Zetia

Zetia has been studied extensively in clinical trials, with more than 12,000 people having been evaluated. In these studies, side effects are always documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common side effects of Zetia included:
 
  • Upper respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold) -- in up to 4.3 percent of people
  • Diarrhea -- up to 4.1 percent
  • Joint pain -- up to 3 percent
  • Sinus infection -- up to 2.8 percent
  • Pain in an arm or leg -- up to 2.7 percent
  • Fatigue -- up to 2.4 percent
  • The flu -- up to 2 percent.

  

Rare Zetia Side Effects

There are other possible Zetia side effects that may develop. These rare side effects occur in less than 1 percent of people taking the drug. It is difficult to tell whether these side effects are actually caused by the medication itself or something else.
 
Some of these rare side effects of Zetia include (but are not limited to):
 
  • Allergic reactions
  • Muscle weakness
  • Serious breakdown of muscle, known as rhabdomyolysis (see Zetia and Muscle Pain)
  • Gallstones.
     

Zetia Side Effects: Summary

It is possible that you may experience some or none of these Zetia side effects. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand whether you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. You may also experience side effects of Zetia that are not listed above. Make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking this medication, as well as anything that "just does not seem right." While it may not be a Zetia side effect, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;