Zetia side effects

I experienced a mild heart attack almost 6 years ago due to LAD 95% blockage. Statins were terrible so I’ve been on Zetia for 5 years with no side effects. My LDL is about 70, triglycerides 65 and HDL 85.

I am on Zetia for almost 2 years. I am allergic to almost everything, so was surprised when I did not encounter any issues with this medication.

@29mhil

Thanks for your response. After two weeks, I am pretty sure I’m experiencing some side effects.
Glad you’re doing well.

I take it with no problems, but it's like any other medication. The majority of people don't have issues, but there's a percentage that do. I hope you can use an alternative, or that the side effects go away.

Darn, @zephyr2309. I imagine you have been hopeful ezetimibe would work. What a great thing Praluent is helping you!

I am not medically trained but I do have a life long experience trying anything and everything to treat my high cholesterol. Zetia was one that I said, ‘never again’! After 30+ years of trying my numbers are finally controlled and guess what - - - I am taking Zetia.

I can tell you what worked for me. I take it at night. I started with 1/2 pill every 4 days. I gradually increased it and settled in taking ezetimibe, 1/2 pill every night. The interesting thing is the effectiveness is not that much less than it would be taking a whole pill.

You may find Mayo Clinic’s Cardiovascular Continuing Medical Education (CME) podcast explaining updated approach valuable. It’ll take about 11 minutes:
- Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular CME: Statin Myopathy
Topics Discussed:
* Is any statin more or less likely to cause statin associated muscle symptoms?
* Are there any protective medications that can minimize statin myalgias?
* What newer non-statin agents have been shown to reduce risk of myalgias?
* How is treating high cholesterol levels becoming more like treating blood pressure?
https://cardiovascularcmemayoclinic.podbean.com/e/statin-myopathy/
I would love to hear your thoughts after listening. Please come back and let me know.

What is your LDL on Praluent? How long have you been taking it?

@jlharsh

I tried Nexletol when it was first available, and had the same side effects as with statins. I actually have a lot of medications that I've experienced really strong side effects. I tried Zetia (R) every other day, but at the full dose. I am interested in your method outlined above, 1/2 pill every four days (nights).

Many thanks for your response, Much appreciated.

@jlharsh

I forgot to ask: how long did you take 1/2 pill every four nights?
Thanks!

I’ve been on zetia for 30 years with no problems. I’ve also been on Lipitor for the same time. I had no blockages at my heart catheterization. These drugs do work along with exercise.

@riflemanz64

Per my original post, I can’t take any statins due to serious side effects. I do take Praluenr injections and exercise over 150 minutes per week. Also as mentioned, I have HeFH. That is heterozygous familial hypercolesterolemia. A genetic disorder resulting in high cholesterol regardless of lifestyle. Regardless, my diet has been plant-based for over 25 years.

I was prescribed ezetimibe 10 mg to be taken with rosuvastatin 40 mg 1/2 tab daily in Mar. 2026. After about 10 days of this medication, I noticed a red swollen area on inside of my left wrist up to my elbow; the rash spread to my right arm in same location. It was was inflamed; I took my temperature to be sure I had no fever. (my temp. was normal) The rash disappeared about 3-5 days after med was discontinued. Directions from the pharmacy advised any rash was an sign of an allergy to the drug; should discontinue taking and let physicians know immediately. I did as directed and cardiology team is considering an alternative. I'm still taking the statin 1/2 tab with no side effects.
I have had stable angina since 2006 when angioplasty and a stent was placed in left anterior artery for blockage. I had been taking atorvastatin 40mg, metoprolol 25 mg, lisinopril 10 mg, aspirin 81mg. Last summer I had symptoms due to a clot; no apparent damage to my heart. Plavix 75 mg added and increased metoprolol to 50mg last summer with no side effects.