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 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 Cholesterol absorption inhibitor / StatinPrescription onlyVytorin (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•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 forPros and Cons of Lipitor vs. Vytorin
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 Cholesterol absorption inhibitor / StatinPros•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 formCons•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 nursingCommon Side Effects of Lipitor vs. Vytorin
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•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•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•Severe muscle pain and damage•Risk of liver problems•Risk of high blood sugarPrices with our coupons for Lipitor vs. Vytorin
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