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Compare Lipitor vs. Pravachol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Pravastatin (Pravachol) are both statins used to lower cholesterol and protect your heart and blood vessels. Atorvastatin is known as a moderate-to-high-intensity statin, meaning it can lower your cholesterol more than many other statins, while Pravastatin is considered a low-to-moderate-intensity statin. Atorvastatin can be taken at any time of the day, whereas Pravastatin is often recommended to be taken at night for better effectiveness. Atorvastatin is available as a lower-cost generic and also comes in a liquid form (Atorvaliq) for those who have trouble swallowing tablets, while Pravastatin is only available as a generic tablet. Both medications can cause serious side effects like muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) and liver problems, but Pravastatin is noted to have fewer interactions with other medications and might be better tolerated. Neither medication is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
    Pravastatin
  • Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
    Pravastatin

  • Summary of Lipitor vs. Pravachol

    Summary for Statin
    Prescription only

    Atorvastatin (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 Statin
    Prescription only

    Pravastatin is a statin that's used to lower cholesterol in adults and certain children. By lowering your cholesterol levels, the medication helps protect your heart and blood vessels from serious and even life-threatening medical problems, such as heart attack or stroke. Pravastatin should be taken with a heart-healthy diet and a regular exercise routine for it to work as best as possible. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day. Pravastatin side effects include muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and headache.

  • Indications of Lipitor vs. Pravachol

    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)
    •Treatment of high "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people
    Indications for
    •Lower the risk of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in adults at risk for heart problems
    •Lower "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain adults
    •Lower "bad" cholesterol levels in children age 8 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)

  • Pros and Cons of Lipitor vs. Pravachol

    Pros and Const for Statin
    Pros
    •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 tablets
    Cons
    •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 problem
    Pros and Const for Statin
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Has fewer interactions with other medications than other statins
    •Might be safer and better tolerated than other statins
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Recommended to take in the evening to work better
    •Doesn't replace having a healthy diet and regular exercise routine to lower cholesterol levels
    •Not a high-intensity statin
    •Not safe to use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Lipitor vs. Pravachol

    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
    •Muscle, joint, or bone pain (25%)
    •Upper respiratory infection (21%)
    •Chest pain (10%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (7%)

  • Warnings of Lipitor vs. Pravachol

    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 bleeds
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Worsening liver problems and liver failure
    •Higher blood sugar levels
    •Possible harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Prices with our coupons for Lipitor vs. Pravachol

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