From the Guidelines
Ezetimibe is not typically associated with causing pins and needle sensations when exposed to sunlight, and patients experiencing such symptoms should report them to their healthcare provider for proper evaluation. According to the 2022 ACC expert consensus decision pathway on the role of nonstatin therapies for LDL-cholesterol lowering in the management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk 1, ezetimibe's common side effects include diarrhea, joint pain, and upper respiratory infections, but not sun-related paresthesia. The mechanism of action of ezetimibe, which inhibits NPC1L1 protein and reduces cholesterol absorption in the small intestine, does not suggest a link to sun-induced paresthesia.
Key points to consider:
- Ezetimibe's adverse effects, as reported in the study, include upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, arthralgia, sinusitis, and pain in extremities, but do not mention paresthesia or sun-related sensations 1.
- The study highlights the importance of monitoring hepatic transaminases before and during treatment with ezetimibe, especially when used in combination with statin therapy, but does not mention any association with sun exposure or paresthesia 1.
- Patients experiencing pins and needles sensations while taking ezetimibe and being in the sun should seek medical attention to investigate these unusual symptoms, as they may be related to another medication, a separate medical condition, or a rare idiosyncratic reaction.
It is essential to continue taking prescribed medications unless directed otherwise by a healthcare provider, while also seeking medical attention to evaluate the cause of these symptoms. The healthcare provider may need to assess for other causes such as neuropathy, vitamin deficiencies, or possibly photosensitivity from another medication.
From the FDA Drug Label
Nervous System Disorders: dizziness; paresthesia; depression; headache The FDA drug label mentions paresthesia as an adverse reaction, which can be described as a pins and needles feeling. However, there is no direct information in the label about this sensation being specifically related to sun exposure.
From the Research
Ezetimibe and Pins and Needle Feelings in the Sun
- There are no research papers that directly link ezetimibe to pins and needle feelings in the sun 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The available studies focus on the efficacy of ezetimibe in lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and its potential role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and Alzheimer's disease 2, 3, 5.
- One study investigated the impact of ezetimibe on vitamin D absorption, but it did not report any findings related to pins and needle feelings in the sun 6.
- Another study discussed the importance of differential diagnosis in identifying the underlying cause of a patient's symptoms, but it did not provide any information on ezetimibe or pins and needle feelings in the sun 4.