Ezetimibe (Zetia)
Ezetimibe (Zetia) is a once-daily generic tablet that blocks cholesterol absorption in the intestine. It lowered LDL cholesterol by about 17% versus placebo alone and by an additional 21% from baseline when added to an existing statin in separate trials. Study results
How much does ezetimibe lower LDL cholesterol?
Ezetimibe 10 mg lowered LDL cholesterol by about 17% versus placebo when used alone. In a separate eight-week trial, adding ezetimibe to a statin lowered LDL a further 21.4% from the on-statin baseline. Read the evidence.
| Dose and treatment context | LDL result |
|---|---|
| 10 mg daily, alone | 17% vs. placebo |
| 10 mg daily, added to a statin | 21.4% from on-statin baseline |
These results come from different trials and use different comparisons. The add-on trial’s statin-plus-placebo group fell another 2.0%. Read the add-on trial.
Individual responses vary. LDL and ApoB measure different things; these LDL percentages should not be used as ApoB estimates. Compare ApoB-lowering treatments.
How is ezetimibe taken?
Ezetimibe is taken as a 10 mg tablet once daily, with or without food. When used with a bile-acid sequestrant, take ezetimibe at least two hours before or four hours after it. Prescribing information.
How does ezetimibe compare with other medications?
Ezetimibe generally produces a smaller LDL reduction than Rosuvastatin or Atorvastatin, but can add meaningful lowering without increasing the statin dose. It is available as an inexpensive generic and does not work through the statin pathway.
Which medications can be combined with ezetimibe?
Ezetimibe can be used with a statin, Bempedoic-acid, or a PCSK9-directed therapy. Nexlizet already contains ezetimibe, so adding a separate ezetimibe tablet duplicates the ingredient. Cyclosporine and fibrates require extra review.
How much does ezetimibe cost?
Cost Plus Drugs lists ezetimibe 10mg, 30 tablets, at $6.38 before shipping ($11.63 with standard shipping). Prices were checked October 6, 2026; the quantity is not necessarily a month’s supply.
Cost Plus Drugs
Ezetimibe 10mg, 30 tablets: $6.38 including the dispensing fee, or $11.63 with standard shipping.
GoodRx
Compare local coupon prices for the same 10mg strength and 30 tablets. The pharmacy, ZIP code, and coupon can change the price; this is a live comparison, not a second fixed quote.
Compare the cash price with your plan’s out-of-pocket quote for the same strength and quantity. Coupon purchases may not count toward your insurance deductible.
Does insurance cover ezetimibe?
Coverage for ezetimibe varies by plan and formulation. These named formularies and medical policies were checked October 6, 2026; your plan’s rules and cost sharing may differ.
| Insurer | Coverage policy |
|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | UnitedHealthcare lists ezetimibe at Tier 2, with no prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limit listed. Commercial PDL, September 2026. |
| Aetna | Generic ezetimibe is preferred generic; branded Zetia is nonformulary. Advanced Control, October 2026. |
| Cigna | Cigna lists generic ezetimibe at Tier 1, with a possible home-delivery requirement and no prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limit listed. California Standard 4-Tier (DMHC), July 2026. |
| Anthem | Anthem lists ezetimibe at Tier 1 with prior authorization and a one-tablet daily limit. California Individual Select, October 2026. |
| Blue Shield of California | Blue Shield of California lists ezetimibe at Tier 1 with a one-tablet daily limit. Standard Formulary. |
| BCBS of Texas | BCBS of Texas lists ezetimibe as a preferred generic, with no prior-authorization, step-therapy, or quantity-limit marker listed. Performance Annual, 2026. |
What are the side effects of ezetimibe?
Ezetimibe can cause diarrhea, joint pain, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Liver-enzyme elevations and muscle problems can occur, particularly in combination therapy. Moderate or severe liver impairment is an important reason to review suitability. Full safety information.
Does ezetimibe reduce heart attacks or strokes?
In IMPROVE-IT, adding ezetimibe to simvastatin after acute coronary syndrome reduced the seven-year rate of the primary cardiovascular composite from 34.7% to 32.7%. That is a 2-percentage-point absolute reduction in this high-risk population. Read the supporting evidence.
Is ezetimibe right for you?
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