Uses
What is ezetimibe used for?
Ezetimibe is commonly used for the following conditions.
- To lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) in people with high cholesterol levels
- To lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) in people that are born with a genetic condition affecting how the body removes cholesterol from the blood (heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia) and in people with mixed hyperlipidemia (elevated cholesterol and triglycerides)
- To lower elevated sitosterol and campesterol levels in people with homozygous familial sitosterolemia, a rare inherited condition that prevents the body from getting rid of cholesterol from plants.
Ezetimibe may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does ezetimibe work (mechanism of action)?
Ezetimibe works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Reduction of cholesterol absorption leads to lower cholesterol stores in the liver, which increases the removal of cholesterol from the bloodstream.
How is ezetimibe supplied (dosage forms)?
Ezetimibe is available as Zetia and generic ezetimibe as 10 mg oral tablets that are taken by mouth.
How should I store ezetimibe?
Exetimibe should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of ezetimibe?
The most common side effects of ezetimibe are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Infection in the nose, throat (sore throat), or common cold symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Pain in the arms or legs
- Joint pain
- Tiredness
- Influenza
There may be other side effects of ezetimibe that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of ezetimibe?
While less common, the most serious side effects of ezetimibe are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Ezetimibe may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking ezetimibe and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking ezetimibe. Your provider may monitor your liver function while you are taking ezetimibe. Be sure to keep all appointments to get your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Muscle Problems. Ezetimibe can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Stop taking ezetimibe and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
- Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
- Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
- Dark colored urine
- Fever
- Muscle cramps
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use ezetimibe?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take ezetimibe.
- Zetia
- Ezetimibe
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ezetimibe products that they stock.
What should I know about ezetimibe before using it?
Do not take ezetimibe unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share ezetimibe with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep ezetimibe out of the reach of children.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ezetimibe?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if ezetimibe is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss with your provider if you have liver problems.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Ezetimibe may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking ezetimibe, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ezetimibe could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take ezetimibe while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if ezetimibe passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take ezetimibe while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does ezetimibe interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between ezetimibe and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ezetimibe.
Does ezetimibe interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking ezetimibe.
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
- A fibrate, such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibrate (Tricor), or fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), which is a medicine for high cholesterol
- A bile acid sequestrant, such as colestipol (Colestid), cholestyramine, or colesevelam (Welchol), which are medicines to lower cholesterol
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with ezetimibe. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much ezetimibe?
If you or someone else has used too much ezetimibe, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of ezetimibe?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Ezetimibe?
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