Final answer:
Ezetimibe and Ezetimibe/simvastatin can have side effects ranging from gastrointestinal discomfort to serious conditions like increased heart rate, hypertension, and a higher chance of heart attacks. More severe risks include various types of cancers and psychological effects. With any cholesterol-lowering medication, such as statins or fibrates, close supervision is necessary due to the risk of severe side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The side effects of Ezetimibe (Zetia) and the combination of Ezetimibe/simvastatin include several potential risks. Some of the common side effects involve gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation which can lead to weight changes. More serious side effects can encompass increased heart rate, hypertension, a higher probability of heart attacks, as well as insomnia, depression, and increased risks of different types of cancers such as colon and breast cancer.
In the context of cholesterol management, statins like Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin are utilized, but may also bring similar risks. For patients with high triglyceride levels, fibrates are often considered, but the combination of statins and fibrates needs careful monitoring due to the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.