Ezetimibe-associated muscle cramps
Ezetimibe can cause muscle symptoms, including muscle pain and muscle spasms that may be experienced as cramps. [1] Muscle cramps are included among the muscle-related reactions described in clinical drug information resources. [2]
Adverse reaction profile
Ezetimibe is associated with skeletal muscle effects described as myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness associated with elevated creatine kinase). [1] In combination with a statin, myalgia is among the more common adverse reactions. [1]
Evidence for muscle-related symptoms
A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies found no clear evidence that ezetimibe increases risk of myalgia or muscular pain leading to discontinuation. [3]
Causality in individual cases
Muscle cramps reported during ezetimibe therapy may reflect ezetimibe-associated muscle effects or may reflect other concurrent causes. [1] The prescribing information advises reporting unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness promptly. [1]
When to seek urgent evaluation
Muscle symptoms accompanied by severe features such as dark urine, fever, or marked weakness require urgent medical evaluation because serious muscle toxicity can present with systemic symptoms. [2]
Clinical management considerations
Ezetimibe should be reassessed when clinically significant muscle symptoms occur. [1]