Does anyone take Zetia only for cholesterol?

It’s interesting your doctor prescribed Zetia (Ezetimibe) only. It’s normally used in conjunction with a statin for people who can’t achieve goal on a statin alone. On average, Zetia is about 1/3 the potency of most statins.

Yes, there can be potential Zetia related side-effects, but they are uncommon. The following is on the Mayo website https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ezetimibe-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067172.

Less common:
Body aches or pain
chills
cough
diarrhea
ear congestion
fever
general feeling of discomfort or illness
headache
loss of appetite
loss of voice
muscle aches and pains
nausea
shivering
sneezing
sore throat
stuffy or runny nose
sweating
trouble sleeping
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting

Incidence not known:
Black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
bloating
blood in the urine or stools
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
chest tightness
constipation
darkened urine
difficulty swallowing
discouragement
fast heartbeat
feeling sad or empty
gaseous stomach pain
hives, itching, skin rash
indigestion
irritability
large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
light-colored stools
loss of interest or pleasure
muscle cramps, pain, spasms, stiffness, tenderness, wasting, or weakness
pains in stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
pinpoint red spots on the skin
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
stomach pain
trouble concentrating
unusual bleeding or bruising
yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common:
Back pain
difficulty in moving
joint pain
pain in the arms or legs
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Thank you. Dr. said he also takes it. I do not like taking any meds long term so am taking 3 days a week for now. And watching diet and exercising. I do not think a cholesterol score of 201 is horrible. 🙂

I didn’t think 201 was high either🤔 My annual bloodwork just came back with cholesterol at 139!!! Yippee!! In my report, I am reading the goal is less than 200. One point over seems pretty manageable. I hate statins and I’m going to ask if I can go off of them. I have had such horrible stomachaches and leg and foot neuropathy-I believe statins are the culprit. I’m pretty sure I can manage my cholesterol with diet without a statin. Right now I’m doing it with a statin because I can’t stand the thought of eating. I saw some pretty yucky side effects for Zetia, too. Don’t let the doctor talk you into a drug you don’t need. I feel like that keeps happening to me more and more. This is just my opinion, of course. I am not a doctor and I will get off my soapbox now. Good luck!!

Thank you for your response, carolinlv. 139 is low! I don't know if it is true, but I have ready that since your body needs cholesterol to function (especially the brain), having really low cholesterol may not be the best idea. Hard to know what to believe anymore! Especially since 300 or even 350 used to be the upper limit of a good cholesterol range! Research indicates that the amount of LDL and HDL matters more than total cholesterol. My numbers in those two areas are acceptable, so for now, I am not going to worry about taking the drugs. Thank you again!

Good for you!! I’ve noticed the acceptable number keeps changing over the years, requiring more and more people to REALLY need cholesterol medication according to pharmaceutical companies, and that once you start, it’s a lifelong commitment. Not sure that’s true🤷‍♀️

It’s not only the total cholesterol number, or even the LDL. To get a real picture of your risk, you’ll need to see the aLipo B and Lp(a) numbers. Then your MD can determine your risk profile. My total C was fine for years, but now I’m a high risk patient because of the others. Worth asking your doctor

Yes, I think it’s an advanced lipid panel I was told to request in another post. That may or may not be part of it. I’ll find out! My doctor’s list of questions is growing with everyone’s help. Thank you!

I took a Statin for years, then due to problem, switched to Zetia that worked great for years. Last year cholesterol was 150. Good numbers, but doctors want me lower and on Statin, since I have type 1 diabetes. So, Switched to Crestor, stopped Zetia, but I want to resume it in addition to my Crestor. My primary said just take Crestor. My Endo said it wouldn’t matter….idk. I find that odd. My Endo moved away and I’m seeing a new one in Sept. I will revisit issue then. Would like to hear from those who take both. I’ve also totally changed my diet, began daily workouts and lost significant weight.
Will be interested to see impact.

I’ve never heard of many taking ezetimibe by itself, either. I do know a lot of people who take it and have no problems. You may want to ask your doctor what benefits he wants for you, particularly since statins and ezetimibe help in different ways. I agree that your cholesterol score of 201 is pretty good if that is your total? It may help to understand why he is saying he wants to see it lower as well.

I currently take 1/2 ezetimibe daily and 10mg rosuvastatin two times a week, then inclisiran injection every 6 months. I do know there are many options available now to lower cholesterol and they all work differently. Getting more in the weeds with your testing, @carolinlv will help your doctor understand why your cholesterol is high. This matters because it gives answers as to just how harmful what you have going on really is, and then which of these new drugs is the best match for you, which may work best. @celia16 my understanding is ezetimibe and statins work differently. Statins stop the liver from producing so much cholesterol and ezetimibe works in the gut to reduce how much cholesterol is absorbed from the intestine. They have different mechanisms of action.

I take 40mg of simvastin for the past 21 years. No issues.