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Zetia can have Serious Side Effects

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Seattle, WAPatients taking Zetia are now learning that the drug may come with some serious side effects. Those include liver damage, rhabdomyolysis and myopathy. What has surprised many consumers is that the makers of Zetia conducted a few studies and found that there are risks associated with taking Zetia, but did not publicize the results of those studies.

Some patients who take Zetia experience muscle pain, especially if Zetia is taken in combination with statins. Clinical studies have found that up to five percent of people taking Zetia will experience muscle pain. Some of those patients experience muscle pain as a symptom of a couple of very serious problems. Those problems are myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

Muscle PainMyopathy is a disease in which muscle fibers do not function for one of a number of reasons. It is associated with muscle cramps, stiffness and spasms. Rhabdomyolysis is serious because it can cause the breakdown of muscles, which can cause acute kidney failure and can ultimately be fatal.

Patients who develop unexplained muscle pain while taking Zetia should consult with their doctor immediately. Other serious side effects include muscle tenderness or weakness, chest pain, nausea, stomach pain, and low fever.

In addition to muscle pain, Zetia has also been linked to an increased risk of liver damage when used in combination with statins. According to The New York Times, Merck and Schering-Plough, makers of Zetia, conducted several studies on Zetia that showed the drug increased the risk of liver damage. These studies are in addition to the Enhance study, also conducted by Merck and Schering-Plough, that may include information about the risks of liver damage. The article notes that some patients were dropped from the Enhance study after it was revealed that they had elevated liver enzymes—a sign of organ damage.

Patients and doctors are now concerned that they have not been given a full picture of Zetia's effects. Naturally, the companies argued that the studies were not considered scientifically important enough to have their findings published. But patients who have developed liver problems since taking Zetia would likely disagree with that statement.

Furthermore, it is interesting to note that the unpublished studies do not prove the drug's effectiveness, they simply show a broader picture of the potential risks of Zetia. According to the Times article, the unpublished studies cover a period of at least one year, enough to show some of the long-term effects of Zetia. Previously published studies only cover 12 weeks, which is not enough time to show any long-term effects.

Even more alarming is news that, according to the Times article, Zetia itself has not been proven to prevent heart attacks, which is the goal of cholesterol-lowering medications. It has only been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Other drugs, such as Lipitor, not only lower cholesterol levels they also reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. If patients are not reducing their risk of heart attacks and strokes, can Zetia really be worth the risks?

Merck and Schering-Plough are also under fire for changing the goals of the Enhance study to be released in March. According to The New York Times, the companies will use "only partial results to assess the trial's success in deterring the formation of plaque that can cause artery blockages and lead to heart attacks." Changing the goals of a study when the study has already begun is an unusual move and can result in the goals being changed to fit with the data found.

Zetia is used to treat high cholesterol and is often used along with statins. Patients taking Zetia often take it either with Lipitor, Crestor or Zocor (all statins) or in a single pill known as Vytorin that is actually a combination of Zetia and Zocor. Zetia works in the patient's digestive tract and blocks the absorption of cholesterol from food.

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Zetia Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered liver damage due to taking Zetia, please contact a lawyer involved in a possible [Zetia Lawsuit] to review your case at no cost or obligation.

READER COMMENTS

Posted by

on
I have been on zetia for approx. 6 monrhs and am now experiencing vision changes, headaches, severe abdominal pain, tiredness, muscle cramps, mucsle aches, bloating . Also right breast enlargement. Etc....

Posted by

on
I am 77 years old. I can't take statins due to severe leg cramping so I've been taking 5 mg zetia since summer 2022 with no leg cramping. 10 mg brings on cramping. My cholesterol has dropped thankfully but I have been constipated for over a week several times since taking the zetia with intense bloating and stomach pain, and weakness in extremities.. It just dawned on me that zetia works on the intestinal tract and could be causing the constipation, and other symptoms. Has anyone else experienced these symptoms? High cholesterol is genetic in my family and I have heart disease,. also in my family. so high bad cholesterol is dangerous. I don't know what else to do at this point.

Posted by

on
Started taking Zetia for 2 weeks. I developed whole body muscle spasms. Even in my chest and abdominal walls. Also had extreme fatigue. Sleeping over 12 hours a day. Falling asleep in meetings and at stop lights while driving...scary! I stopped the Zetia but my labs are abnormal. High Calcium levels and low serum ammonia. Won't take this medication again! I'm following up with my Endocrinologist to get my labs in check. How awful that the Pharmaceutical companies sold us down the pike!

Posted by

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I have been on 6 different statins with bad stomach cramps so haven't taken in years. In July I was prescribed Zetia and by late August noticed dry skin and flakiness. In Sept. I developed a rash on legs and was told it was cellulitis so put on antibiotics for ten days. It got better but didn't go away and in Nov. rash spread to thighs and stomach and itching all the time. Im now on prednisone. Also, in early Sept was in emergency with back pain that made it hard to walk. They thought it was a sprain but I hadn't done anything out of the ordinary because I had been sick all week with diarhhea. Also leg pains mostly at night and swelling in left leg. I'm calling cardiologist to get off of this.

Posted by

on
I was prescribed Zetia and almost immediately began having stomach issues. They weren't real bad at first, and I took some probiotics, which didn't help much. Then, after maybe a month the symptoms started getting worse - the stomach upset turned into cramping, nausea and loss of appetite, I began feeling very fatigued, had insomnia, occasional sweats and chills, and when I would stand up I had this strange feeling like gravity was still pulling on my arms and legs when I stood. Kind of like getting out of a swimming pool - the water is still pulling on you (at least it feels like it is) as you step out. My stomach was really torn up and I missed several days of work before a friend helped me figure out that all these symptoms started shortly after I started taking the Zetia. I stopped taking 2 weeks ago and most of the symptoms have gone away - except the stomach bloating and the strange feeling sometimes still persists when I stand up. We have done a stomach ultrasound (no results yet) and have an endoscopy coming up. So I probably haven't conveyed what a nightmare this was - just weeks of not being able to eat, feeling AWFUL, and hardly being able to wear pants because the bloating was so bad. I sure hope like hell this medicine didn't do any permanent damage! I would advise anyone thinking about taking this medicine to do your research and THINK TWICE!

Posted by

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Can anyone tell me if they have experienced extreme teeth pain since taking Zetia. I have been experiencing toothache in several of my teeth that have fillings since taking the drug for 3 weeks. Can't take Statins. Statins have almost destroyed my health (literally), so my doctor put me on Zetia. Now I am having jaw pain & neck pain. Am I the only one having this negative reaction? I have a dental appointment today. And I am stopping the drug today. Someone please respond. Thank you.

Posted by

on
I took one dose of Zetia at night, when I woke the next morning, I could barely think, my vision was blurred and I had a bad headache. I knew it had to have been the pill. I sat in a chair all day with no energy (not like me at all). Felt depressed and sad. I did not take another pill, but it has been over a week and my arms and legs are aching all the time. I feel like something is terribly wrong with me. I don't know how long it will take to get this out of my system. I wish I had never taken this horrible pill and will never get talked into taking anything else for high cholesterol. I have genetic high cholesterol which is not food related and have always felt good. How long will this aching last?

Posted by

on
I began Zetia about a week ago. I have had reactions to all statins over the years (I'm 73), including severe muscle pain/cramps. I was told by my doctor that Zetia would not do this to me. It dawned on me today that the severe back, neck, shoulder, wrist pain I was experiencing was not my arthritis or Fibromyalgia of 27 years. Nor was the incredible stiffness, difficulty walking, feeling like there is a brick in my stomach. My Fibro fog increased, and I developed tremors with extreme weakness in my legs, arms and hands. I got off balance and had to shuffle my feet to walk. I have to keep sitting down or going to bed due to weakness. I'm stopping it tomorrow. Hopefully the symptoms will disappear soon . I'm continuing to using olive, palm and coconut oil in my diet to keep HDL up to counterbalance LDL, as advised by my doctor of 15 years ago when it was determined I can't tolerate statins. When they are in good ratio, blood is not sticky. I've been living with genetic high cholesterol my entire life. Will also continue garlic and Red Krill oil (not fishy). I now join the rest of you who suffered from this drug. Not necessary. Natural cholesterol modifying foods are best.

Posted by

on
started the lowest dose of zetia, caused severe Diarrhea in first couple days..... cut dose in half.... a month later my eyes,well, I am seeing flashes, and eyes hurt, and are feeling itchy and tired. I think will have to stop it. I am female, 61 years of age.

Posted by

on
Never ever take this drug!!! I totally swear I was beginning to die. For three months I have been in excruciating pain headaches back pain joint pain extreme muscle cramping in my back, chest pain. Today I thought Im not going to take it. What do you I feel a little better. Not the best but at least I didn't have to take so many pills to stop the pain that I was afraid of that! Worst med ever. I really mean this!!!BEWARE

Posted by

on
I have problems taking statins. Dr. said Zetia doesn't typically have the same reaction as statins. BS. Was on zetia for approx 4 months. I have foot and calf cramps, hip pain - first one hip then both, excruciating knee pain, thigh pain and arm and thumb joint pain. When I complained of hip pain, was given SOMA and x-ray suggested I had very early arthritis. Unbelievable. These drugs are ruining our health. I stopped taking the zetia about a week ago, and am still having pain. I think this is worse than the statins, or maybe it's just compounded? I'm juicing and eating lots of fruit and veggies to try to help get this crap out of my system. I'm a healthy eater and walk regularly, and work at keeping stress low. I'm 58 and feel like I'm 80 on these damn drugs. No more for me.

Posted by

on
I have been on zetia for 2 months now and have shoulder pain , numbness down my arm and pins and needles in hands , I have joint pain and fatigue I my self have stopped taking them I will continue my statin and hope to stay free off pain xx

Posted by

on
Lipitor.

This is the worst drug ever to be put on the market. My cholesterol was 130 when I was prescribed this medication by my MD, Lipitor 80mg. I began taking this and it quickly raised my CPK levels up to over 15,543. Normal range for CPK levels (0-200). Yes, I said mine were over 15 thousand. My liver enzymes raised to the roof as well. Although, over time,they are slowly coming down, still not in normal range. It landed me in the hospital for 12 days, pushing IV therapy, the emergency room Doctors were waiting on me to arrive in ER. This was 09-13-2015. I thought I was dying, and I was barely moving, now 2 years later, I still feel pain from that pill. Since that time, I had a major heart attack, Oct 15,2016 and was told if I had waited one more day, I would have had a massive heart attack and fell dead. I am still trying to recover fully. My hips hurt, legs and feet cramp, shoulders ache and the pain has never left my body. I would recommend that this drug be taken off the market. I do not wish to have anyone else go through what I have been through and experienced by taking this statin drug. I hate I ever put it in my mouth. My life has been completely turned upside down. I believe God for all things, but this has been my toughest challenge in life. As I read the comments, I too can identify with what you are going through and experiencing. God bless us all as we press through this thing called "LIFE". I would ask that you keep asking your MD for an alternative medication for your high cholesterol. Take care.

Posted by

on
Been on zeta for 3 months I have had bad leg cramps & back pain last week had blood in urine Doctor told me to stop zeta all pain went a way and feel much better

Posted by

on
Zetia can cause side effects such as cough, dizziness, headache, joint pain, back pain, fatigue, stomach pain and chest pain.

Posted by

on
I was put on Zocor 5 years ago and had taken only 10mg for about 1 1/2 years. I started having neck pain within a couple of weeks after taking this med. I thought it was my pillows causing this so I ended up buying numerous pillows over several months. In 2011 I started having neck and upper back pain and spasms and this was 1 year after starting Zocor. I went to my doctor in agony with the pain in neck and upper back spasms. Several blood tests were ran and they found my CK levels were elevated to 400. I was taken off of the Zocor and everything test was ran and I saw every specialist to figure out my severe pain. They said I should be fine once I stopped the statin and I would get better. It is now 5 years and I have not been able to return to work and I am plagued with chronic neck, back and muscle spasms in my legs. My cholesterol levels are 324 which is heredity in my family. My new doctor put me on Zetia one month ago and after reading the posts on here I am very scared about this drug. I eat a very good diet to control my cholesterol and I am hypersensitive to most drugs. I am tired of trying to keep the doctors happy with "A GOOD CHOLESTEROL NUMBER " and need to re-think the meds. My doctor told me Zetia is a non-statin! I am at wits end with all of this. I am only 53 years old and I can't hardly do anything anymore. Nothing physical because everything in my body hurts too much. I was also recently diagnosed with fibromylgia.

Posted by

on
i started taking Zetia after taking statins and having horrible leg pain from them. I even tried just Red Rice Yeast and got the same results. Both the doctor and pharma tech told me that since it didn't have the chemical that was causing the muscle problems, i should be okay with Zetia. After taking it for three (3) days my left leg started aching. After a week, my whole left leg, both ankles, and my left hip were aching and i was having pounding heart palpitations. I could barely put weight on my left leg and was having trouble getting out of a chair or out of bed. The palpitations kept me awake when the leg wasn't keeping me awake. I should have just stopped after the three days but i am ever optimistic and thought it was just overuse from packing for a move. Nope. Not anymore. I am stopping this stuff (even though it was so expensive) before things get any worse. This whole 'it's not a statin so you'll be okay' is bs. You won't be okay.

Posted by

on
I too have had to resort to Zetia after side effects with all the others. I've taken Crestor, Lipitor and a few others (over the course of 10 years) which ended after muscle aches, hip and leg pain that would keep me from decent sleep.
For the last 3-4 years I had stopped taking anything after constant itching left me miserable day and night.
About 3 months ago I agreed to try Zetia as it wasn't a "statin".. well the itching has started up again!
Don't know what the common culprit is in these cholestrol reducing drugs but they all cause more harm than good!
I personally have to do something more natural than this!
Signed 48 and feel 80!

Posted by

on
I could not take any of the statin meds for the past 2 years so my Dr put me on this new drug Zetia 1 month ago. I have had severe leg & feet swelling with really bad leg pains & cramps in addition I have a constant cough with runny nose. Severe muscle pains & so tired I can hardly move also abdomen & kidney pain. I am stopping this medicine today. I will go to a natural remedy from now on.

Posted by

on
Started taking zetia October 2015 have high LDL of 200 and took for about 7 months cant take statins attacks,my mus less tred them all. My joints started hurting like it was attacking my tendons and muscle spasms bad and very very weak. I have exercised all my life with blood pressure low no other problems until this medicine. I have lost a lot of weight it caused my muscles to atrophy and I was pretty muscular. Been off it for about 4 weeks still muscle weakness and muscle spasms bad and still joint pain. I will go to the foot dr now for my foot due to the spasms I think it tore something.I want my active life back and after taking this medicine the drug companies need to take a hard look at what they are peddling. They are causing more damage then good with this medicine. They should have to pay the medical bills for people affected by this medcine. The laws need to change some how to protect the patient and or consumer. I am mad after reading these stories I wish I would have read them before I took it. The dr said it wasn't a satin but it's worse.

Posted by

on
I too cannot take statins and Zetia. Sleep disturbance muscle weakness. Generally feeling very weak. Quit soon after taking as the side effects came quickly and were intolerable. Please look into an alternative which is a Red Yeast Rice found in capsules in stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts. This is a natural statin. Must take 2400 mg to be effective. Also anyone taking a statin needs to take CoQ10. Many cardiologists are recommending this as statins deplete
CoQ 10 in the body. This is a heart and vein healthy supplement. Google these supplements and read for yourself. I've had absolutely no side effects. Has lowered my cholesterol by 25 to 30 Pts. Still not at the low of 200
Haven't been tested lately but plan to. Some improvement is sure better than nothing. It's more challenging as you have to take 4-5 capsules a day of Red Yeast Rice instead of the simple 1 pill. But I feel great!

Posted by

on
I had been taking this medication zetia for nearly a year, until two nights ago. I w a report that proves stations cause major pain! Most of these comments on here are a few years old, yet my Dr or pharmacist didn't inform me of these side effects. I guess that's my fault, I should have got a magnifying glass and read the paper that came with it.
I have had the exact same pain described by most of the other posters, severe cramping,,, horrible left sided arm and hip pain. My right foot has started hurting so bad for the last two months,,, that I can barely walk. I call my Dr about the horrible muscle cramping,, gives me Soma and warms about addiction. Hello??? I stopped two days ago and honestly I feel like a new woman! Good luck to any other person suffering effects from this medication. O and btw, I have an appointment with a rheumatologist in a month,,, maybe I won't need it! My hands aren't pain free yet,, but much improved. Also neurologist couldn't really find any reason that I should be having all this pain. I'm being honest,, I think zetia is poison for some ppl and I am one of them.

Posted by

on
I was on Zetia for less than two months, December 2014 - January 2015. At the time my cholesterol was over 250 and the doc wanted it down more than Welchol could achieve. During those two months I experienced severe neck, shoulder, back pain/stiffness, unable to sleep, increasing inability to walk 1/4 mile or less due to leg and muscle aching. It felt like my legs just wouldn't work any more. The most severe problem was the neck/left ear/mastoid bone area pain. I stopped it immediately and all but the ear area has gone away. There has been severe pain up the back of my neck and left side of my head. I will be seeing an ENT to determine the cause of that issue but it didn't exist until I went on Zetia. Nasty drug to say the least. I am very sensitive to any drug but Welchol (expensive) has worked the best with sensitivities altho it isn't getting my numbers down to 200. Everyone in my family is on cholesterol meds of some kind so it is a hereditary thing, the numbers won't ever get down enough to please the doc. Would love to know if others experienced ear/mastoid pain.

Posted by

on
High chlosterol is hereditary in my family. I'm very active, run 30 miles a week, cross train ...3-4 days a week. I started taking a low dose of statins which were changed twice in 6 weeks due to crippling me. The pain was excruciating!
My doctor said it was an allergic reaction & that I was one who couldn't take them so she put me on Zetia. I've been on Zetia 3 weeks and am experiencing a lot of back pain, leg cramps & severe stomach pain. I went from being active to not able to do much at all.
Hdl good chlosterol 114 & Ldl bad 134, my overall number is 263 so here I am on horrible meds. I don't know what's worse for my health, being non active on meds or being active with no meds. Sucks! I feel like my whole body is deteriorating. Help!

Posted by

on
A few years ago I was put on statin drugs for cholesterol problems. It proved to be a big mistake. My liver and kidneys gave me lots of pains. Recently, I was given Zetia to lower my cholesterol, the doctor wanted my number lower than 100.

three weeks later my left eye started to ache then, the side of my head then, the top and then then we went to the emergency room where they gave me something for my eye pain, even though they couldn't for a problem, they told me that my eye muscle was inflamed. today I found this site while looking to find the reason why I am having so much head pain.
Now, I can hardly see because the eye medicine that was given dilated my pupil and I can't see very well. No more Zetia for me!!!!!

Posted by

on
I am speaking with my cardiologist today. I have been on lipitor for 10 years (could not tolerate statin) and zetia (not a statin??) for 2. Experiencing almost all the symptoms as others. I trusted my cardiologist to prescribe this but I am done with these drugs. I know I am genetically predisposed to heart related problems but I can't live my life feeling like this. My husband and I love to hike but it had become so difficult for me--no more--I want to LIVE. If there are any class action suits, count me in.

Posted by

on
I live in chronic back and neck pain. My dr is always after me about cholesterol levels too high. I have tried all the statin drugs with legs that felt like they weighed a ton each. My family all had the same symptoms. So no more ,and numbers went up ,but pain decreased. After a month my Dr suggested I tried Zetia, no side effects I was told. I cramped up so bad I ended up in the ER. Blamed it on recent spinal injections. Leg cramps took me down 4 more times in the first bottle of medicine. It never dawned on me it might be the Zetia. As the price was too high the next month I didn't refill my RX. No similar symptoms for the next month. So I refilled it at drs request two days ago, and tonight my leg cramped and took me down to the ground in seconds. I'm still laid out in extreme pain and cramps in my left leg only difference this time is that I did not hit my head and get a concussion on the way down. So I to will consider my cholesterol levels genetically high and will not take another pill!

Posted by

on
I have been on Zetia since December of 2015 and never put 2 and 2 together. I just knew that my stomach has been bloated and having terrible pains in it and my back and neck hurts me. I tried going to the gym to walk on treadmill but my right hip was hurting too much so after 18 minutes I had to quit. My nose is stuffy and then runny. My eyes water. Sometimes I cough and sound like I have pneumonia. When in bed my legs, especially my right leg kills me clear up to my hip and I lay in bed and shake my leg then put on icy hot and take pills but nothing helps. My left arm gets pains in it once in awhile and that scares me with my heart. My heart doctor said my triglycerides were high and put me on these pills but then when I went for my physical 2 weeks ago I took all of my meds and she asked me why I am taking this Zetia and she checked the test online and said they weren't high but she can't tell me to stop since it was a heart Doctor. I have noticed too that I am tired and I can sleep ALL day long in my nightgown here on the chair right after I get up almost ten or eleven in the morning and after I eat and take my pills I go back to sleep !! I never slept like this before until I started taking Zetia !!!!

Posted by

on
I have took zetia for two weeks and now have trouble get out of the bed because of I have no balance and cannot even sit up without holding to something. after a while, it goes away. Has anyone had this problem. I will not take it again until I have some answers. All statins that I have taken previously have caused me bad joint and muscle pain.

Posted by

on
I've been taking zetia for 3 months. Wondering why my fibromyalgia and chronic back and neck pain keep Gerri g worse. After reading all these people's stories I now know. Zetia is plain poison. I just took my last pill. Rather have my generic high cholesterol than what this crap
Has done to my body. I used to hurt a 7 on scale of 1-10. Zetia has pushed it to 10. Done with statins and anything else similar. Please lord let this hurry and get out of my system. Wish I hadn't taken it tonite! It has magnifies my body pain to the point I can barely pull my hurting neck off pillow or make my back walk. No more starinor as they claim this is " non statin" drugs for me. Maybe once off it I can walk and move and lower my cholesterol this way. So glad I googled this and see I'm not alone. " oh it's not a statin and easy to tolerate ". Never w we again

Posted by

on
2 weeks of zetia im stopping severe pain hands hips legs.haven't been able to exercise. So stopping genetically higher cholesterol. Not outrageously high either. Have enough health issues. Was better before starting this medicine.

Posted by

on
Have been on Zetia for a year. I thought that the severe muscle cramping in my legs at night was all part of my fibromyalgia and back issues. I'm stopping this drug immediatley. High cholesterol or not, the cramps are from my feet to hips, and if this is the cause, I want compensated for all my pain and suffering. I'm so tired and angry at big drug companies making a killing at selling worthless and harmful drugs. My cholesterol has been lowered, but I'll have to take my chances. I simply cannot tolerate this anymore; I have enough health issues without adding this to it!!
Sign me angry and hurt.
B.

Posted by

on
I tried two different statins and immediate leg cramps, a few years of climbing levels my brother told me he takes zetia, the non statin and takes a statin once in a while.
While reading up on zetia, I took it in Michigan, no problem for the one week sample,but due to the cost, I chose not to take it and I'm glad after reading all these comments
I experienced bronchitis and it lingered so I was sent for a chest X-ray, no pneumonia but my doctor noticed plaque on the X-ray and wants me to go to a cardiologist, trying to decide if I should or just get crazy with weight loss,exercise and smoothies. I hate any cholesterol lowering drugs.
By the way my brother has severe back pain and I'm thinking it's the statins not true back issues. Hoping to find a better way.

Posted by

on
After taking Zetia for about a week, I started having hip pain on one side. Within a few days, I started having pain in both hips. A few more days, and the pain began creeping down the front of my thighs. After 24 days, I couldn't stand up straight when I walked because the pain in the front of my thighs was so severe--walking a full stride was just a killer. I'm 57 years old and have been athletic all my life, so I was willing to consider the possibility that I had somehow injured myself...

But then it dawned on me that this was bilateral, making the possibility of it being from an injury highly unlikely. So the answer had to be something I was consuming--maybe an allergy of some kind. Then it hit me--it started shortly after starting Zetia! So i stopped it immediately, and the next day felt an improvement. The following day, still better. But the improvements have slowed and I've made very little progress in the last 2 day (5 days of being off it now).

It's clear to me that this drug actually caused me physical damage. Whether it's permanent or not remains to be seen. I certainly hope it isn't, but I'm in agreement with the other commenters here--no more cholesterol drugs for me! Lipitor and Crestor caused mild leg cramps, and the Zetia has shredded my muscles. Since it is genetic and not dietary, I'll have to just live with it.

Posted by

on
I took Zetia for 3 weeks and after 6 weeks off of it I cannot left might right arm past shoulder height and cannot lift more than an ink pen without pain. Left arm not quite as bad. As a Parkinson's patient this is NOT good.

Posted by

on
I have been taking Zetia for the past 6 months and do not suffer from any of the side effects that have been posted. I am concerned about liver damage. Is there something else that I can take to lower my cholesterol? I have had high cholesterol all of my life. I am 58.

Posted by

on
My doctor prescribed Zetia touting the effectiveness. Upon researching found the heart issue. No thanks. He did not mention anything about this. Sent him 3 peer reviewed studies indicating Zetia did not prevent heart events. His response ... "noted". Found a new doc more open to what is CAUSING high cholesterol. It may be genetic. I eat healthy and organic. I believe spending our $$$ on healthy food is the answer. Life is good. Sorry Big Pharma.

Posted by

on
Took Pravachol and Crestor with muscle cramping and elevated liver enzymes.doctors decided to take another shot with zetia and 5 days later got the gout-which hasn't bothered me in many years and stomach cramping.will never take another cholesterol drug again despite what any doctor says because I don' believe cholesterol is the enemy but inflammation in the body is the real cause of health issues.the American diet is killing us and pills are a smoke screen to the real cause of health issues--eat your veggies!

Posted by

on
Zetia is NOT a safe drug. I have high cholesterol for about 25 years. 250. LDL is 189. It is hereditary. I am a very healthy eater. Many years ago I was put on Crestor.. Got very sick. Changed over to Lipitor. Felt less sick but my liver enzymes doubled in 2 months. Terrible leg cramps. Weak muscles etc. Went to a holistic doctor. Red rice yeast. Liver enzymes went up. Apple cidar vinegar. No help. Niacin. Made me sick. A few moths ago went for my annual. Dr said I must try Zetia. He said it is not like the statins and has NO SERIOUS side effects. After 3 weeks I was basically crippled. Terrible leg cramps. Could not stand from a sitting position. Weakness in arms and legs. I continued for another week then called my dr. He said to stop taking it. I saw him today and he made light of it and said I just cannot take it. No sh.. Sherlock. I am going to stick with my high cholesterol. These drugs are killers. I walk 2-3 miles a day. Eat healthy. Don't smoke. One glass of wine a night. I'm done. I think the company that makes it is guilty of NOT reporting the side effects of this drug.

Posted by

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I am so impressed with all of these comments. I have genetically high cholestrol. I had terrible reaction to crestor - mostly myvjoints and i felt like an 80 year old and could hardly walk down stairs. I stopped that drug and felt better very soon there after. I am now on lipitor and don't seem to have that problem but lipitor is also not controlling the chloestrol levels. so maybe three months ago,dr put me on zetia and i am right back to pain in all my joints. I am not going to take that anymore.

Posted by

on
Zetia after Crestor bad reaction.
Unchecked my cholesterol seems to be over 300 so doctor will put me on some new statin and yes between Dr. visits it drops to about 200 with any of them I’ve tried. Over the past 12 years guess I’ve tried most all the statins out there. Bottom line just can’t take statins as they cause so much muscle and joint pain that ultimately I slack off exercise to the point my overall health collapses and I go back to the doctor.
On doctors advise I get off them and sure enough over time they clear out of my system, 8 to perhaps 24 weeks on average. Historacly I rebuild only to have a lipid panel show elevated cholesterol and have doc put me on something different only to have nearly the same pain come back over time.
This time Doc put me on trial supply of Zetia with the idea that it works in the intestines and that I should experience no joint pain. NOT!
Stopped the Crestor I had been on for 14 weeks and yes Crestor had dropped cholesterol 95 points in only 14 weeks at the expense of becoming inefective because of pain and having my tri glycerides get blown off balance.
After only 12 days off Crestor I started on a Zetia trial pack. It only took about 8-9 days for me to feel like I was getting the flu. No, it’s not the flu, started the regular script and at the 12 day mark I begin to feel like I was just having a ride in my body. Everything became feeling separated and I hurt all over. Nashua on Zetia and I just don’t throw up but I did on this stuff. Mild headaches and again I almost never have a headache.
Dark urine and I drink plenty of water.
Blurred vision, like as in a narrow field of view with stars around everything light.
Short of breath with bad bad pain under the front edges of my rib cage.
Scared hell out of me so stopped three days now, better yes, however still no energy and so weak I can hardly lift my arms to type this.
Life has been good, I prefer quality to quanity so going to try Niacin. If that does not work guess I will just live out my life with cholesterol level where ever it may be.

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dr told me,there no S.E. WITH ZETIA.HE SAID IT BLOCKS ABSORPTION OF CHOL. IN THE GUT. HE GAVE ME SAMPLES.I TOOK 2 FRI 2MORE ON SAT. I DEVELOPED PAIN IN MY RIGHT UPPER SIDE.BLOATING BELCHING INDIGESTION.ALSO GOT THE FLU IN NOSE THROAT CHEST PAIN. GOT MUSCLE SORENESS IN MY LEGS.THAT WAS WORSE THAN MY USUAL NEUROPATHY.I THINK I HAVE GALLSTONES FROM ZETIA.I HAVE CONSTANT G.B. PAIN EVEN AFTER STOPPING AFTER ONLY 2 DAYS. WHY DO DRS. SAY THERE NO SIDE EFFECTS WITH THIS DRUG.I TOLD MY DOC IM NOT WORRIED ABOUT MY CHOLESTEROL.NOW I HAVE APOOR QOL DUE TO GALLSTONES.

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I took Stevia for 21 days and the past three days were hell, felt flu symptoms which i didn't know was a part of this medicine then, went into mood swings, depression, nausea among other issues of feeling cloudiness. Never in my life have i ever felt this way and i'd really like to know how long the side effects last once you stop taking it. My doctors office swears the side effect i'm having have nothing to do with the medicine, well im not on anything else, never depressed nor did i know the feeling. Anyone who has a reaction to this, get off asap! Not worth it!

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I have been on Zetia for many years and prior to that tried Lipitor and Crestor, immediate issues with pain and tingling in arms and legs with latter two. I thought Zetia was the answer, did help with lowering my numbers some, but the leg cramps have gotten so bad that during a recent bout with both legs (from toes to thighs) at the same time I can not take it any more. One of the worst pains I have ever experienced. A recent visit to the DR, decision was made to stop the Zetia. Only been 3 days, but I have more energy. Legs still feel week from the cramps and soreness in one leg is very much still there. Going to give the fish oil and diet/excercise a better try and do blood work in 3 months to see where I am compared to July tests. I am almost at the point one of the other commentors is "take my chances".

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My high cholesterol is genetic. I have tried all the statins; Crestor, Zocor, lipitor but the fatigue eventually creeps up on me after 6-8 weeks ( I feel like I'm 80 years old-extremely week and in pain). My Dr suggested Zetia which I triedfor 3 months and my levels came down to 220 range. Then he introduced Livolo in a small dose (10mg). My level went down to 203. I started juicing 2-3 times a day in Feb and 4 weeks later my level went down to an amazing 143! I stoppedboth drugs and jucied faithfully 2-3 times a day. Just went for blood work and I was back up to 283! (I've been on a low fat diet for 25+ years). So he said I should go back on one of the drugs. Back on Zetia for 2 days now and still juicing. I'm a very healthy 61 and active (except for a knee problem-that's another story). Anyway, I just don't trust the drug companies and am fearful that in the rear future we are going to find out the true side effects of these drugs. Signed-discouraged.

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Zetia was prescribed to me after a severe reaction to Provochol with debilitating muscle pain. Dr. said Zetia was different and would not cause these side effects, so I agreed to try it. Unfortunately, the same severe muscle pain; leg cramps; hip & low back pain returned with a vengeance! The first 4 weeks taking Zetia was OK, had a little muscle pain in one arm, but it was tolerable. The severe pain began about 5 wks. into the meds & it hit hard & fast! I recognized the symptoms immediately because it was just like being on Provochol, and quit taking it, the pain is so bad it effects my daily functions. There is no relief, taking double/triple OTC pain meds hasn't helped. It seems to me there could be permanent damage to muscles from these meds! Is anyone aware of permanent damage? What can I expect regarding recovery because at this point it hasn't gotten any better (been off Zetia for 4 days)? If I have to live with this pain on a permanent basis I don't think I can handle it. THESE DRUGS NEED TO BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET!

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I have been on Zetia for. 4 years and also taking Lovaza ( fish oil ) and in the last 2 years my Cholesterol has been great but I am really watching also what I eat. In the last month I have went from an active 57 yr old to an 80 yr old. I can hardly move especially on the mornings . Once I move around I am ok until I bend or sit then I am in pain trying to get up. At night I toss and turn because my neck', shoulders and back of thighs ache! My doctor called me today and he has told me to stop taking the. Zetia for a week and let's see what happens. I hope this is what is causing my pain but I also hope it's not long term or hope my muscles are not destroyed from this drug. Going from being active to not being able to stand up or sit down without srceaming in pain is depressing .

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I take Pravastatin 20mg (can't tolerate higher doses) and took my first Zetia at 10pm last night. I was awakened just before midnight with the worst muscle pain I've ever experienced, from my feet to my thighs. I took a hot soak in the tub, felt better and returned to bed. I was awakened again just before 2a.m. and the pain was even worse! Fearful something must be terribly wrong I took a Flexeril muscle relaxant, which has helped, but at 3:20a.m. the pain has not completely resolved. I read the Zetia insert from the pharmacy, but there was no mention of muscle pain, just "joint pain." I do not know if it is the Zetia, but I do not intend to take another dose. The type of pain I felt/feel must be doing some type of damage to my muscles.

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I started zetia in feb. 2013 I thought it would be better than a statin drugsince there are so many side effects linked with those. Although it got my cholesertol in check, I ended up so sick with extreme pain in my stomach I was admitted into the hospital. I was told I had an inffection so I went with that. Nothing was determined as to what caused that . Less than 5 mos. Later I was back in again they have not found a cause for the dabilitating pain and rectal bleeding that I experienced . I have been seeing doctors to specialists ongoing. I have like some of you severe pain and weakness in my legs. After laying sitting or mornings feel like I cant even walk. I am so tired and fatigued its sickening. I decided to stop taking it to see how I feel . Its been a couple of days legs still weak but I think this might be nine months of feeling horrible the whole problem I am scared to have the stomach problem happen again. I will take my chances of clogged arteries opposed to feeling how I have.

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All statin drugs are nothing but ,a big money making , deal for the drug companys ,and Zetia is no different then them. Its all about profit and the hell with the person takin them. even if it make theem feel lousy.

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I've been on zetia for over 12 years. I'm a runner and have experienced such debillitating leg cramps that have taken over my entire body. My reason for switching to crestor was merely due to evidence brought to my attention by my pharmacist & doctor about results when taking zetia that will not prevent stroke or heart attack. I have complained to doctors many times about the muscle spasms..until today I wasn't aware that there is this connection to zetia. I'm puzzled as to why? I moved 7 years ago and have had several doctors, but none of them ever mentioned this alarming connection. I start crestor tonight and hope that the side affects are minimal or nonexisting. The terrible muscle spasms seemed to always follow a "sugar" treat or chocolate for an evening snack. I have always attributed the cramping with sugar. Now I'm not sure if it was the source at all.

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Has anyone experienced diarrhea with long term zetia use?

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I have had the same symptoms for I think, two years. The cramps in my leg muscles are severe and usually occur at night while at rest. I'm going to see my Dr today. I've been taking Zetia for several years and have complained about these symptoms before. I never thought Zetia was the cause but I am going to mention it to the Doc.

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I've been on zetia for eight months. For the past few months, I've had chronic pain in my left leg and left hip. I've been assuming it is just a sign of getting older, but I feel more like I'm 87 rather than 57. How can I determine if Zetia might be causing this pain? Thanks

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My comments are for Ellen Stohr and Donald Lekawa. I too have been living with severe leg cramping and also left hip pain. I have had this condition for almost a year now. I have seen a Rheumatologist who has had me on Prednisone for a couple of months now and a drug which I have full intentions of getting off of in not more than two months at the out set. I have also seen a Neurologist and an Endocronologist, but to no avail. The camps, i n my case, come every single day and more than 2 times per day. I can't say for certain that it was Zetia that has caused me all this pain and discomfort, but I cannot disregard the fact that the only 2 people people in the world who have described what I have been living with are the 2 of you who I am addressing in this email. Not one of the doctors I have met with can know any of what I am talking to them about. They say the understand, but I'm not sure that is so.

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I took Zetia for about 10 weeks, in addition to the Crestor and Trilipix I was already taking. Two weeks b4 my blood test, I noticed sever leg cramps, like growing pains, esp at night, or sitting. I also developed pain in my left hip, and left knee area. The only thing I'd done differently was adding the Zetia, so I took myself off of it. After a month, I still had pain, although not as severe, so I stopped taking Trilipix as well. Now I am on Crestor alone. I have genetically high LDL, since at least my teens, and have never had a "normal" level. I know I need to protect my heart, but have decided that my quality of life means more than normal LDL levels. I would like to hear from anyone who has gone thru this and gotten rid of the pain for good. Thanks for any ideas !

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I took Zetia for about 4 months. After about 2 months, I had severe abdominal pain. I didn't relate it to the Zetia at the time. I then had to have all kinds of tests and was told I had lesions in my liver and cysts in my kidneys. In the mean time I did stop taking the Zetia. I waited a few weeks and tried it again (still not even thinking it was Zetia) The very first pill and I had the worst intestinal pain ever. If I hadn't by that time realized it was the Zetia, I'd gone to emergency..the pain was that bad. I agree, it should be taken off the market and it was very expensive pain.

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I've been on Zetia for about 3 weeks, when I began having the most severe muscle cramping of my life. I didn't know why I was cramping, until I thought about and made a connection with Zetia.
In my opinion it should be taken off the market. The side effects are far worse than what is it intended to accomplish.

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