The Effects of Zetia on Blood Pressure

Doctors prescribe the brand-name drug Zetia (chemical name ezetimibe) because it may help lower cholesterol and triglycerides. High levels of these fatty substances are implicated in heart attack and stroke.

Monitoring

• Your doctor will monitor you carefully to make sure Zetia is working and providing the benefits for which she prescribed it.

Side Effects

• According to MayoClinic.com, Zetia can cause a wide range of side effects, including muscle cramps, pain, wasting or weakness; digestive problems, including abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, indigestion or nausea; fever; tiredness; rash; or yellow eyes and skin. Other side effects occur. If you have any of these side effects, consult with your health care professional.

Blood Pressure

• Merck/Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals manufactures Zetia. The company's patient product information sheet does not talk about any effects, positive or negative, of Zetia on blood pressure.

Caution

• Zetia is not a drug that pregnant women, or women expecting to get pregnant, should take because it could cause birth defects and other problems for the baby.

Negative Effects

• Merck/Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals asks patients to report any negative side effects of Zetia to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch, or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.