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Compare Lipitor vs. Zocor

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

Key takeaways

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Simvastatin (Zocor) are both statins used to lower cholesterol and protect your heart and blood vessels, but they have some differences. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is considered a moderate-to-high intensity statin, while Simvastatin (Zocor) is a low-to-moderate intensity statin. This means atorvastatin can lower your cholesterol more than simvastatin at certain doses. Atorvastatin can be taken at any time of the day, but simvastatin is best taken at night because simvastatin is short-acting and your body makes more cholesterol then. Both medications can cause muscle pain, but simvastatin has a higher risk of causing severe muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis. Atorvastatin is available as a liquid (Atorvaliq) for those who have trouble swallowing tablets, and simvastatin is available as an oral solution (Flolipid). Neither medication should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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  • Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
    Simvastatin (Zocor)
  • Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
    Simvastatin (Zocor)

  • Summary of Lipitor vs. Zocor

    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

    Simvastatin (Zocor) is a statin used to lower your cholesterol to help protect your heart and blood vessels from serious, and even life-threatening, medical problems, such as heart attack or stroke. Simvastatin (Zocor) isn't meant to lower cholesterol on its own. Instead, you should take it in addition to eating a healthy diet and having a regular exercise routine. To get the most out of the medication, it's best to take simvastatin (Zocor) nightly before going to sleep.

  • Indications of Lipitor vs. Zocor

    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
    •Prevention of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack or stroke) in people at higher-risk for heart problems
    •Lower high "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people

  • Pros and Cons of Lipitor vs. Zocor

    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
    •Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL)
    •Can help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke
    •Oral solution (Flolipid) available for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    •Can be used in children as young as 10 years old
    Cons
    •Can't take if you've certain 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
    •Simvastatin (Zocor) has the highest risk among the statins to cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problem

  • Common Side Effects of Lipitor vs. Zocor

    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
    •Cough, runny nose, and other symptoms of bronchitis (7%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Irregular heart beat (6%)
    •Nausea, stomach pain ,and other symptoms of stomach inflammation (5%)
    •Eczema (dry, itchy skin) (5%)
    •Dizziness (5%)

  • Warnings of Lipitor vs. Zocor

    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
    •High blood sugar
    •Possible harm during in pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Prices with our coupons for Lipitor vs. Zocor

    Learn more about Atorvastatin
    Learn more about Simvastatin

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