What Causes Painful Back Spasms While On Zetia?

Posted on Fri, 7 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 7 Apr 2017 Answered on

Wed, 3 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have very painful back spasms and am taking Zetia for cholesterol which has a side effect of back spasms. I have been to the ER twice but they can find nothing but say it's arthritis. I was fine up until last Sat. when I came down with back spasms. How can I find out if that's what it is?
e-mail address is YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Zetia may be the culprit.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

It is true that Zetia use may result in muscles damage and pain as a possible adverse effect.

So, to be sure that is Zetia use the culprit or not, it should be stopped for few days.

Since you are allergic to statins, you can use niacin and one resin such colestipol for example, to control high cholesterol.

If your condition doesn't improve after stopping Zetia, arthritis should be considered and treated.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee