Compare Lipitor vs. Niaspan
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Niacin ER (extended-release) are both used to manage cholesterol levels, but they work differently and have distinct characteristics. Atorvastatin, a statin, is a first-choice medication that lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL). It works by blocking an enzyme in your liver that makes cholesterol. Niacin ER, also known as vitamin B3, is an antilipemic medication that also lowers LDL and triglycerides and raises HDL, but it is not a first-choice option. Niacin ER works by blocking the release of fat from fatty tissue and slowing down cholesterol production in the liver. Atorvastatin is typically taken once daily and can be taken at any time of day, while Niacin ER is taken once daily at bedtime. Common side effects of atorvastatin include muscle pain and liver issues, whereas Niacin ER often causes flushing and stomach upset. Both medications can cause serious muscle problems, but Niacin ER is more likely to cause flushing and liver damage, especially if you switch between its immediate-release and extended-release forms without adjusting the dose.
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)Niacin er
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)Niacin er
Summary of Lipitor vs. Niaspan
Summary for StatinPrescription onlyAtorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin that lowers "bad" cholesterol, raises "good" cholesterol, lowers triglycerides (TG, also known as fats). In addition, it helps protect your heart and blood vessels. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is known as a moderate-to-high-intensity statin, meaning it lowers your cholesterol more so than many other statins. And as with all statins, atorvastatin (Lipitor) can cause rare, but serious side effects, such as liver problems or severe muscle pain. It's important that you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly in order to get the most benefits from this medication.
Summary for AntilipemicNiacin ER (also known as vitamin B3) is a prescription antilipemic medication for adults. It's used to lower high cholesterol and triglycerides (a common form of fat) levels, but it's not a first-choice option for this condition. Niacin ER is taken by mouth once daily, while niacin (Niacor) is typically taken three times daily. Some side effects of niacin ER include flushing and stomach upset. Please note that niacin is also available over-the-counter to treat vitamin B3 deficiency.
Indications of Lipitor vs. Niaspan
Indications for•Prevention of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack or stroke) in high-risk adults (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of cholesterol problems)Indications for•High cholesterol and high triglycerides•Lower risk of repeat heart attack in people with a history of heart attack and high cholesterol•Slow plaque buildup in the arteries of people with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and high cholesterol (as an add-on medication)•Severely high triglycerides in people who are at risk of pancreatitis (as an add-on medication)Pros and Cons of Lipitor vs. Niaspan
Pros and Const for StatinPros•Can help lower the risk of heart attack, and stroke•Can be used in children as young as 10 years old•Long-acting, so can take it at anytime•Available as a lower-cost generic•Available as a liquid (Atorvaliq) for those having trouble swallowing the tabletsCons•Can't be used in pregnant or breastfeeding females•Can't be used in people with liver problems•Risk of side effects are higher in certain people, such as those age 65 years and older or those who drink alcohol daily•Can cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problemPros and Const for AntilipemicPros•Can lower “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and raise “good” (HDL) cholesterol in people who have trouble doing so with diet and exercise alone•Can also lower triglycerides•An option for people who didn’t have success or had side effects with statins•Available as a lower-cost generic medicationCons•Doesn’t work as well as statin medications in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides•Can cause flushing, a bothersome side effect•Need to take immediate-release form multiple times a day•Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeedingCommon Side Effects of Lipitor vs. Niaspan
Common Side Effects for•Runny nose or sore throat (8%)•Joint pain (7%)•Diarrhea (7%)•Pain in arms and legs (6%)•Pain while urinating, needing to urinate more often, and other symptoms of an urinary tract infection (UTI) (6%)Common Side Effects for•Flushing (up to 69%)•Diarrhea (up to 14%)•Nausea (up to 11%)Warnings of Lipitor vs. Niaspan
Common Side Effects for•Severe muscle pain and damage•Worsening liver problems and liver failure•High blood sugar•Not for use in pregnant or breastfeeding females•Possible strokes or brain bleedsCommon Side Effects for•Muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney and heart damage (rhabdomyolysis)•Liver damagePrices with our coupons for Lipitor vs. Niaspan
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