Is zetia and ezetimibe the same?

Are Zetia and ezetimibe the same medicine?

Yes. Zetia is the brand name for the drug ezetimibe. The active ingredient in Zetia is ezetimibe, so they refer to the same medication, just marketed under different names.

What’s the difference then—brand vs generic?

• Zetia is the brand-name product.
  
• Ezetimibe is the generic (or the active ingredient name used on prescriptions).
  
• They work the same way because they contain the same active drug, ezetimibe.
  
  

Does it matter which one I take?

For most people, the choice between Zetia and ezetimibe comes down to cost and availability rather than treatment effect. If you’re switching, it’s still a good idea to confirm your prescription matches the same dose (mg) and your clinician/pharmacist is aware of the change.

Will the dose be the same?

Typically yes. Prescriptions should specify the strength (for example, 10 mg). A brand and a generic with the same dose should be equivalent in effect for ezetimibe.

Quick way to check on your prescription

Look for “ezetimibe” as the active ingredient. If the prescription says ezetimibe, it’s the generic name even if it’s dispensed as Zetia, depending on what your pharmacy supplies.