What is ezetimibe, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

Ezetimibe is an oral drug that is used for the treatment of elevated blood cholesterol. The most commonly used class of drugs for lowering cholesterol levels, the statins, act by preventing the production of cholesterol by the liver. Ezetimibe has a different mechanism of action and lowers blood cholesterol by reducing the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. It does not affect the absorption of triglycerides or fat-soluble vitamins. The FDA approved ezetimibe in October 2002.

What brand names are available for ezetimibe?

Zetia

Is ezetimibe available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: No

Do I need a prescription for ezetimibe?

Yes

What are the side effects of ezetimibe?

The most common side effects of ezetimibe are:

• diarrhea,
• abdominal pain,
• back pain,
• joint pain,
• muscle aches, and
• sinusitis.

Hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema (swelling of the skin and underlying tissues of the head and neck that can be life-threatening) and skin rash rarely occur.

Other important side effects include:

• Nausea,
• pancreatitis,
• muscle damage (myopathy or rhabdomyolysis) and
• hepatitis

Quick GuideLower Your Cholesterol, Save Your Heart

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.