Ezetimibe (a prescription cholesterol-lowering medicine used to treat high blood cholesterol), like most other medications has different degrees of side effects that vary in their frequency. The complaint of headache is also common among patients taking prescription statins, being reported by about 4% in clinical studies. Fatigue is also reported by a few (3.4% of patients report feeling tired on the medication cycle).
This is one more reported somatic side effect from the muscle at 2.1% with a drug that affects the lipid metabolism of the human body. Anyone who has heard of statins will be well aware of these muscle-related symptoms, since they are notoriously bizarre and can affect a minority (although sometimes large) proportion of people taking the drugs — a fact that is always sought to be emphasised by the medical journals. Drugs like ezetimibe are carefully monitored for adverse effects in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly where liver related issues are a concern. There are numerous reports of ALT elevations in patients on ezetimibe, and it has been estimated that as many as 2% of treated subjects may become symptomatic during therapy, with careful monitoring an obligatory aspect of clinical use.
Allergic skin reactions and swelling may occur, however this is rare with less than 1% of users affected. However, healthcare professionals highlight that this rate of reaction is minimal and patients need to be vigilant for any signs of hypersensitivity. If this happens, clinical guidelines suggest restraining from taking the pill at once (American College of Cardiology).
The side effect profile of ezetimibe also includes gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea (about 3.2%). This side effect is frequently placed in contrast with other cholesterol medications (e.g. bile acid sequestrants) that bear notably higher rates of gastrointestinal discomfort. FDA reviews based on historical data underscore the value of patient education about potential gastrointestinal issues with incretin-based drugs.
Its effect on the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins is still being researched, which remains a concern in relation to long-term use. This is a subject under debate still in the medical community, but it has raised some doubt. According to the Mayo clinic, it is important for both short-term and long-term effects of atherosclerosis-reducing drugs in patient prescribing.
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