Side Effects of Ezetimibe: An Introduction
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects of
ezetimibe (
Zetia®). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. In most cases, when side effects do occur, they are 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 the drug.
If, while taking ezetimibe, 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 right away.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with ezetimibe. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of ezetimibe side effects with you.)
Common Ezetimibe Side Effects
Ezetimibe has been studied extensively in clinical trials, with more than 12,000 people having been evaluated. In these studies, side effects are always documented. The most common ezetimibe side effects, observed in more than 2 percent of people taking the drug, include but are not limited to:
- 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.
