Zetia Side Effects: An Introduction
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with
Zetia® (
ezetimibe). However, not everyone who takes the medicine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, they are usually minor and can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Infrequently, side effects may be more troublesome or serious, and your healthcare provider may need to take you off of Zetia.
If, while taking the drug, you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness -- especially if they are accompanied by a fever or body aches -- it is important that you contact your healthcare provider immediately.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Zetia. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Zetia side effects with you.)
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.
