Does ezetimibe lower triglycerides?
Yes, ezetimibe does lower triglyceride levels.
In an analysis of eight clinical trials comparing ezetimibe 10mg daily to a placebo, the patients on ezetimibe had a reduction in triglycerides of 8%. This was a randomized placebo controlled study with 2700 patients and lasted 12 weeks.
The results also showed:
- 18.5% reduction in LDL-C
- 3% increase in HDL-C (good cholesterol)
- 13% reduction in total cholesterol
For a more effective reduction in triglycerides levels, ezetimibe can be taken with simvastatin. The VYTAL trial showed that when ezetimibe 10mg is taken with simvastatin 20mg, there was greater reduction in triglycerides compared to a 10mg dose of atorvastatin.
Bottom line:
- Ezetimibe 10mg day reduced triglyceride levels by 8%
References
- Ezetimibe therapy: mechanism of action and clinical update: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3402055/
- Ezetimibe Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/ppa/ezetimibe.html
Read next
Does Zetia (ezetimibe) cause memory loss?
Memory loss is not a side effect of Zetia (ezetimibe) when it is used alone to treat high cholesterol. Zetia is often used with diet and other cholesterol lowering medications like statins which have been linked with cognitive impairment (memory loss, forgetfulness, or confusion). Continue reading
Can Zetia (ezetimibe) cause liver damage?
Yes, Zetia (ezetimibe) can cause liver damage, although it is very rare. Monitor liver enzymes for the development of serious toxic hepatitis and consider ezetimibe discontinuation if it develops. Perform liver tests during ezetimibe initiation and regularly thereafter and consider withdrawal of ezetimibe and/or the statin (if coadministered) should an increase in ALT or AST ≥3 X upper limit of normal (ULN) persist. Continue reading
How does Zetia (ezetimibe) work to lower cholesterol?
It reduces cholesterol absorption from the small intestine so there is less cholesterol delivered to the liver. This means there is a lower amount of cholesterol stored in the liver, which leads to more cholesterol being cleared from the blood. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- Does Zetia (ezetimibe) cause weight gain/loss or muscle aches/pains?
- What happens if you stop taking Ezetimibe?
- When should you take ezetimibe?
- Is ezetimibe a statin drug?
- When is the best time to take ezetimibe?
- When is the best time to take Zetia?
- Can ezetimibe be taken with statin drugs like atorvastatin?
Drug information
- Ezetimibe Information for Consumers
- Ezetimibe prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Ezetimibe (detailed)
Related support groups
- Ezetimibe (16 questions, 14 members)
