Is zetia (ezetimibe) as effective as statins in removing ldl?

No: Zetia (ezetimibe) has not been shown to be effective with or without statins for reducing ldl. If you wish to reduce ldl, lose weight, reduce intake of saturated fats, exercise at least 30 minutes a day and if you need medication, stay with statins.

Works, Not as potent: Zetia (ezetimibe) decreased cholesterol absorption in the gut leading to increased numbers of LDL receptors to clear LDL from the blood. Statins decrease cholesterol synthesis also causing increased LDL receptors. Statins lower LDL particle number by 25-55%, where Zetia (ezetimibe) lowers LDL particle number 15-30%. Both statins and Zetia (ezetimibe) are used together in many patients who do not achieve LDL goals with statins alone.

Not by itself.: By itself, Zetia (ezetimibe) will not lower your cholesterol nearly as much as a statin. Zetia (ezetimibe) serves as a potentiator for statins.