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Compare Zetia vs. Tricor

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Ezetimibe (Zetia) and fenofibrate (Tricor, Trilipix) are both medications used to manage cholesterol levels, but they work in different ways and have distinct uses. Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor that lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) by reducing its absorption in the gut. It's often added to statin therapy or used as an alternative for those who can't tolerate statins. Fenofibrate, on the other hand, is a fibrate that not only lowers LDL but also significantly reduces triglycerides and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL). Unlike ezetimibe, fenofibrate is not typically combined with statins due to the increased risk of muscle damage. Ezetimibe is generally well-tolerated with few side effects, while fenofibrate can cause liver problems, muscle pain, and other serious side effects. You may need blood tests to monitor your liver and kidney function while taking fenofibrate, while this isn't typical with ezetimibe. Both medications are available in generic forms and are taken once daily. Fenofibrate is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and the safety of ezetimibe in these conditions is also uncertain.

  • Zetia (ezetimibe)
    Fenofibrate
  • Zetia (ezetimibe)
    Fenofibrate

  • Summary of Zetia vs. Tricor

    Summary for Cholesterol absorption inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Zetia (ezetimibe) is an oral medication used to treat people with high cholesterol by lowering total cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels in the blood. It generally has few side effects and is commonly taken in addition to or as an alternative to statin medications. And whether you take it alone or with other medications, it's important to continue exercising and eating a healthy diet to get the most treatment benefit.

    Summary for Fibrate
    Prescription only

    Fenofibrate (also known as fenofibric acid) is used as an add-on medication to diet to treat high triglycerides and high cholesterol. Common side effects include liver problems, breathing problems, and stomach pain. Fenofibrate includes a warning about avoiding statin medications because of the risk of muscle damage, and also because it doesn't add any extra benefit in reducing the risk of heart problems compared to taking a statin alone. Fenofibrate is available in many brand names (e.g., Antara, Tricor, Trilipix), generics, and dosage forms (e.g., micronized capsules, delayed-release capsules, tablets).

  • Indications of Zetia vs. Tricor

    Indications for
    •Treatment of high cholesterol in certain people
    Indications for
    •Treatment of high triglycerides - add-on to diet
    •Treatment of high "bad" cholesterol (LDL), with or without high triglycerides and low "good" cholesterol (HDL) - add-on to diet

  • Pros and Cons of Zetia vs. Tricor

    Pros and Const for Cholesterol absorption inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works pretty well to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels, about 13-20%
    •Only needs to be taken once per day
    •Can be taken with or without food at any time of the day
    •Doesn't have too many side effects
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Hasn't been shown to lower the risk of heart attacks, stroke, or heart disease
    •Not the best choice for people with moderate to severe liver problems
    •Can interact with many medications
    •Doesn't work as well as statins to lower cholesterol if taken alone
    •Unknown if safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Fibrate
    Pros
    •Lowers triglycerides and LDL ("bad" cholesterol) while raising HDL ("good" cholesterol)
    •Only needs to be taken once daily
    •Some brands can be taken with or without food
    •Some brands available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Need to take it alongside a low-fat diet; doesn't work well on its own
    •Can cause muscle damage, especially if taken with a statin
    •Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Can't take if you have liver, severe kidney, or gallbladder problems

  • Common Side Effects of Zetia vs. Tricor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (4%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Joint pain (3%)
    •Inflamed sinuses (3%)
    •Pain in arms or legs (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage (8%)
    •Lung problems (6%)
    •Stomach pain (5%)

  • Warnings of Zetia vs. Tricor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Liver problems when taken with a statin
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Muscle damage (myopathy and rhabdomyolysis)
    •Possible effect on the kidneys
    •Allergic reactions
    •Gallstones
    •Pancreatitis
    •Blood clots

  • Prices with our coupons for Zetia vs. Tricor

    Learn more about Zetia
    Learn more about Fenofibrate

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