Final answer:
The side effects of Ezetimibe (Zetia) and Ezetimibe/simvastatin range from digestive issues to serious health concerns such as insomnia, depression, prostate enlargement, and increased cardiovascular risks including heart attacks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The side effects of Ezetimibe (Zetia) and the combination of Ezetimibe/simvastatin may include symptoms such as indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and fluctuations in weight. More severe and sometimes irreversible side effects can occur, including insomnia, depression, and prostate enlargement. It is also important to note that combination treatments with statins, like simvastatin, may carry a risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, especially if combined with fibrates, and should be closely supervised. The treatment goal with these medications is usually to reduce cardiovascular risk by lowering cholesterol levels.
Increased cardiovascular risks such as an elevated heart rate, hypertension, and a higher probability of heart attacks have also been associated with these drugs. Patients must be monitored for these effects, and any concerns should be addressed with a healthcare provider.