Ezetimibe 10 mg Tablets for High Cholesterol

What Ezetimibe Is and How It Works

Ezetimibe is an oral cholesterol-lowering medication used for primary hypercholesterolemia, mixed hyperlipidemia, and homozygous sitosterolemia. It reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) by blocking intestinal absorption of cholesterol via the NPC1L1 transporter. The typical dose is ezetimibe 10 mg once daily. If comparing ezetimibe price without insurance, many patients consider generic options for long-term therapy.

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Ezetimibe may be used alone or with a statin when additional LDL-C lowering is needed. The branded reference product is Zetia®. Ezetimibe does not significantly affect triglyceride production and is not a statin. It works in the gut, not the liver. This separate mechanism allows additive LDL-C reduction when combined with statins. Ezetimibe is taken by mouth, with or without food, and requires no routine dose titration. It can be considered in statin intolerance, or when statin dose increases are not feasible.

Dosage and Usage

• Usual dose: 10 mg tablet once daily, taken at the same time each day.
• May be taken with or without food.
• Co-administration with statins: continue the prescribed statin and add ezetimibe 10 mg unless directed otherwise.
• With bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine): take ezetimibe at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after the resin.
• Hepatic impairment: avoid use in moderate or severe liver disease; consult the prescriber for any liver concerns.
• Renal impairment: generally no dose adjustment; follow prescriber guidance in severe cases.
• Missed dose: take as soon as remembered the same day. If near the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up.
• Swallow tablets whole with water; do not crush unless directed by a clinician.

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F); brief excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are acceptable.
• Keep tablets in the original, tightly closed container to protect from moisture and light.
• Do not store in a bathroom or near sinks; avoid excess heat or humidity.
• When you travel, carry medicine in a hand-luggage organizer and keep a copy of your prescription.
• If you temporarily lack climate control, use an insulated pouch and return to room temperature storage as soon as possible.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Ezetimibe typically lowers LDL-C by about 18–25% when used alone, and by an additional ~15–20% when added to a statin. It has a convenient once-daily tablet, works independently of statin dosing, and is suitable in sitosterolemia. It is often considered for patients who need further LDL reduction or who cannot tolerate higher statin doses.

Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices. This can also help those paying without insurance. See our ezetimibe coupon page for current offers, if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common effects: headache, diarrhea, stomach pain, fatigue.
• Upper respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, nasal congestion) can occur.
• Back or joint pain, and mild muscle aches may appear, especially with statins.
• Elevations in liver enzymes are more likely when combined with a statin.
• Rash or hypersensitivity reactions are uncommon.

Serious but rare effects include hepatitis, myopathy, or rhabdomyolysis (more likely when used with a statin). Stop therapy and seek urgent care if severe muscle pain, weakness, dark urine, or jaundice occurs. Avoid use in active liver disease or unexplained persistent transaminase elevations. Discuss all medications and supplements, including fibrates and resins, with a clinician.

Onset Time

LDL-C reductions begin within about 1–2 weeks of starting therapy. Near-full effect is usually seen by 2–4 weeks if doses are taken consistently. Lipid panels are often checked after 2–4 weeks, and then periodically, to confirm response and guide combination therapy. In sitosterolemia, plant sterol reductions follow a similar 2–4 week pattern.

Compare With Alternatives

Ezetimibe reduces cholesterol absorption in the intestine, providing modest LDL-C lowering alone and meaningful additional lowering when combined with a statin. Statins inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver and are first-line for ASCVD risk reduction.

Atorvastatin (brand Lipitor®) and rosuvastatin (brand Crestor®) generally lower LDL-C by 30–55% depending on dose, and have the strongest outcomes data for cardiovascular risk reduction. Ezetimibe can be added to a statin when further LDL-C reduction is needed, or used when statin dose increases are not tolerated.

Learn more about Lipitor and Crestor if a statin is appropriate. Patients who cannot reach targets on maximally tolerated statin therapy may benefit from adding ezetimibe before considering other classes.

Combination Therapy

• With statins: widely used; expect an additional ~15–20% LDL-C reduction. Monitor for muscle symptoms and liver enzymes as directed.
• With bile acid sequestrants: separate dosing (2 hours before or 4 hours after) to maintain ezetimibe absorption.
• With fibrates (e.g., fenofibrate): may be used in select patients; monitor for gallbladder and liver effects.
• With PCSK9 inhibitors: combination can provide substantial LDL-C reductions in very high-risk patients.
• Niacin: limited modern use; consider risk of flushing and hepatotoxicity.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Ezetimibe may suit adults with primary hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia requiring additional LDL lowering, or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia as an adjunct. It is also indicated for homozygous sitosterolemia. It is not for patients with active liver disease or known hypersensitivity to ezetimibe.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized risk–benefit discussion, particularly when combined with statins. Alcohol excess can increase liver risks. Report unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine promptly, especially in combination regimens.

Cost-saving approaches include choosing the generic for ezetimibe, considering multi-month supplies, and coordinating refills to reduce shipments. Ordering ahead helps avoid last-minute local purchases at higher prices. Value comes from consistent therapy and reliable sourcing.

Authoritative Sources

Zetia (ezetimibe) U.S. Prescribing Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Ezetimibe Listings

FDA Label: Ezetimibe

Order Ezetimibe from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This material is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or therapy decisions.