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Zetia, Merck/Schering-Plough's brand name for the drug Ezetimibe, reduces serum cholesterol by inhibiting the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the small intestine. Some studies suggest that Zetia can reduce serum cholesterol as much as 54%, but the drug does have some serious potential side effects you should know about.

The manufacturer's own literature lists the following side effects: fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, viral infections, pharyngitis (sore throat), sinusitis, anthralgia (joint pain), back pain and coughing.

However, patients using Zetia have anecdotally mentioned muscle pain and cramping - sometimes very severe - when using the drug. Some men have also reported loss of libido or erectile disfunction while on Zetia. Severe chest pains have also been reported. It should be noted that cholesterol-lowering medications are typically prescribed to older adults, so in some cases these symptoms may only be coincidental. However, since Zetia is not the only cholesterol-lowering medication available, patients should do their homework before taking the drug, and let their doctor know about unusual symptoms while they are on it.

Sources:

Merck/Schering-Plou gh Pharmaceuticals, "ZETIA (ezetimibe) Tablets" (http://www.zetia.com/ezetimib e/zetia/consumer/product_infor mation/pi/index.jsp?WT.svl=1)

R atings for zetia: side effects and patient comments (http://www.askapatient.com/vi ewratings.asp?drug=21445&name= zetia&sort=gender)

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