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.
