Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Lipitor vs. Vytorin

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

Key takeaways

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin) are both medications used to lower cholesterol, but they have some differences in how they work. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin that lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) by blocking an enzyme in your liver that makes cholesterol. It also raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) and lowers triglycerides. Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin) combines two medications: ezetimibe, which blocks cholesterol absorption in your intestines, and simvastatin, another statin that works similarly to atorvastatin. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) can be taken at any time of the day, while Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin) is best taken in the evening because simvastatin is short-acting. Both medications can cause serious side effects like muscle pain and liver problems, but Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin) has a higher risk of muscle damage at higher doses. Both Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin) are available as a lower-cost generic. Neither medication is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
    Vytorin (ezetimibe / simvastatin)
  • Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
    Vytorin (ezetimibe / simvastatin)

  • Summary of Lipitor vs. Vytorin

    Summary for Statin
    Prescription only

    Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin that helps lower cholesterol. As a moderate-to-high-intensity statin, it can lower cholesterol by a greater amount than many other statins. It can also help protect your heart health. The dosage is taken by mouth once a day. Atorvastatin tablets are available as brand-name Lipitor and a generic. There's also a liquid form that only comes as brand name Atorvaliq. It's possible to have side effects like muscle pain, joint pain, and stomach upset. Most times, atorvastatin (Lipitor) is taken along with a heart-healthy diet to get the most benefits from treatment.

    Summary for Cholesterol absorption inhibitor / Statin
    Prescription only

    Vytorin (ezetimibe / simvastatin) is a combination of two different medications that work together to lower cholesterol in different ways. It lowers "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while raising "good" cholesterol levels. In doing so, Vytorin (ezetimibe / simvastatin) helps prevent severe and life-threatening medical problems, like heart attack or stroke. But, you should take it in addition to eating a healthy diet and having a regular exercise routine to get the most benefit from the medication.

  • Indications of Lipitor vs. Vytorin

    Indications for
    •High cholesterol in adults
    •High triglycerides in adults
    •Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in people ages 10 years and older
    •Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in people ages 10 years and older
    •Lowering the risk of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in adults at high risk
    Indications for
    •High cholesterol
    •Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH)

  • Pros and Cons of Lipitor vs. Vytorin

    Pros and Const for Statin
    Pros
    •Can lower cholesterol by more than 50% at higher doses
    •Taken just once a day
    •Approved for children as young as 10 years old with genetic cholesterol problems
    •Also available as a liquid (Atorvaliq) for those who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can't take if you have liver problems
    •Higher risk of side effects for some people, like older adults and people who drink alcohol daily
    •Risk of a serious muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis
    •Not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Cholesterol absorption inhibitor / Statin
    Pros
    •More convenient to take a single pill containing two medications that work in different ways
    •Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL)
    •Taken once daily
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •More difficult to customize the dose since it's a fixed combination of two medications
    •Can cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problem that's a medical emergency
    •Works better to if taken at night
    •Not safe for people who are pregnant or nursing

  • Common Side Effects of Lipitor vs. Vytorin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Common cold symptoms (8%)
    •Joint pain (7%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    •Pain in arms or legs (6%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI; 6%)
    •Indigestion (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (6%)
    •Muscle pain (4%)
    •Runny nose, cough, and other symptoms of the common cold (4%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)

  • Warnings of Lipitor vs. Vytorin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Liver problems
    •Higher blood sugar levels
    •Possible higher risk of brain bleed in certain people taking the 80 mg dose
    •Possible risk of harm when taken while pregnant or breastfeeding
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Risk of liver problems
    •Risk of high blood sugar

  • Prices with our coupons for Lipitor vs. Vytorin

    Learn more about Atorvastatin
    Learn more about Vytorin

Compare other High Cholesterol drugs

Lipitor vs MevacorLipitor vs NiaspanLipitor vs PravacholLipitor vs VytorinLipitor vs ZetiaLipitor vs ZocorLopid vs LipitorVascepa vs LipitorLopid vs LovazaLopid vs ZocorLovastatin vs NiaspanMevacor vs ZocorNiaspan vs AntaraNiaspan vs AtorvastatinNiaspan vs CrestorNiaspan vs LopidNiaspan vs Omega 3 AcidNiaspan vs TrilipixNiaspan vs VytorinSimvastatin vs NiaspanTrilipix vs VytorinVascepa vs EpanovaVascepa vs LovazaVytorin vs AtorvastatinVytorin vs CrestorVytorin vs LopidZetia vs NiaspanZetia vs VytorinZocor vs PravacholZocor vs Trilipix
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.