Ezetimibe
Ezetimibe lowers cholesterol by reducing absorption from the gut. In the UK it is often added when a statin alone does not reach targets, or used alone if statins are not tolerated — as your prescriber decides. It is not a substitute for lifestyle measures.
This medicine is part of the Blood pressure, cholesterol & related category.
Generic name: ezetimibe
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Ezetimibe lowers cholesterol by reducing absorption from the gut.
How long does it take to work?
Cholesterol levels change gradually; your practice may recheck blood tests after you have taken it regularly for a period your prescriber sets.
What are common side effects?
Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tiredness, or muscle symptoms when combined with statins.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Ezetimibe with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Ezetimibe is used for
Ezetimibe lowers cholesterol by reducing absorption from the gut. In the UK it is often added when a statin alone does not reach targets, or used alone if statins are not tolerated — as your prescriber decides.
It is not a substitute for lifestyle measures.
How does Ezetimibe work, and how long does it take to work?
It blocks a transporter in the intestine wall that takes cholesterol into the body, lowering LDL cholesterol over weeks.
Combined with statins, effects are greater than either alone for many people.
How and when should you take Ezetimibe?
Usually once daily, with or without food. Swallow tablets with water.
If combined with a statin in one tablet, follow that product’s instructions.
What are the common side effects of Ezetimibe?
Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tiredness, or muscle symptoms when combined with statins.
Liver tests may change — your GP monitors as needed.
Serious side effects of Ezetimibe — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for severe allergic reaction, unexplained muscle pain with weakness, or jaundice.
What if you miss a dose of Ezetimibe?
Take when remembered unless nearly time for next; do not double.
Who should not take Ezetimibe?
Moderate to severe liver disease and pregnancy need individual decisions. Always disclose all medicines.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Ezetimibe? — other interactions
Ciclosporin and fibrates can interact; Warfarin may need INR checks when starting ezetimibe.
Ezetimibe in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Discuss before pregnancy or breastfeeding — use only if clearly needed.
Blood tests and monitoring on Ezetimibe
Liver function tests may be arranged, especially on combination tablets with statins.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Ezetimibe?
PCSK9 inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants, or higher-intensity statins may be discussed in specialist care.
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Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
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Frequently asked questions about Ezetimibe
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Ezetimibe used for?
- Ezetimibe lowers cholesterol by reducing absorption from the gut. In the UK it is often added when a statin alone does not reach targets, or used alone if statins are not tolerated — as your prescriber decides. It is not a substitute for lifestyle measures.
- How long does Ezetimibe take to work?
- Cholesterol levels change gradually; your practice may recheck blood tests after you have taken it regularly for a period your prescriber sets. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Ezetimibe with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Ezetimibe with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Ezetimibe?
- Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tiredness, or muscle symptoms when combined with statins. Liver tests may change — your GP monitors as needed. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Can ezetimibe be taken without a statin?
- Yes, in some people who cannot take statins, ezetimibe alone may be used — your prescriber compares expected benefit with your overall risk.
- Does ezetimibe cause muscle pain?
- Muscle symptoms are less common with ezetimibe alone than with statins, but combination therapy can still cause muscle issues — report new symptoms to your GP.
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