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Compare Lopid vs. Lipitor

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

Key takeaways

Gemfibrozil (Lopid) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are both medications used to manage cholesterol levels, but they belong to different classes and work in distinct ways. Gemfibrozil is a fibrate that helps break down fats in your body and is typically taken twice a day before meals. It is mainly used to lower triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol (LDL) while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL). On the other hand, atorvastatin is a statin that blocks an enzyme in your liver to lower "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides, and it can be taken at any time of the day. Atorvastatin is considered a first-choice medication for lowering cholesterol and preventing heart problems, while gemfibrozil is often used when statins are not well-tolerated. Both medications have common side effects like indigestion and diarrhea, but atorvastatin may have a higher risk for muscle pain and liver issues. Both atorvastatin and gemfibrozil are available in a generic form.

  • Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
  • Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

  • Summary of Lopid vs. Lipitor

    Summary for Fibrate
    Prescription only

    Gemfibrozil (Lopid) is used as an add-on medication to diet to lower triglycerides (fats) and "bad" cholesterol (LDL). At the same time, this medication can help raise "good" cholesterol (HDL). The usual dosage is one tablet taken by mouth twice a day before meals. Common side effects of gemfibrozil (Lopid) include indigestion, stomach pain, and diarrhea. It has many interactions with other medications, including cholesterol-lowering medications called statins.

    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.

  • Indications of Lopid vs. Lipitor

    Indications for

    As an add-on to diet for

    •Treatment of high triglycerides
    •Lower the risk of heart disease in people with low HDL, high LDL, and high triglycerides who've tried other options (e.g., exercise, other medications)
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Lopid vs. Lipitor

    Pros and Const for Fibrate
    Pros
    •Helps lower the risk of pancreas inflammation due to very high triglyceride levels
    •An alternative cholesterol medication for people who can't tolerate statins
    •Can lower the risk of serious heart events (e.g., heart attack) by 34% in certain middle-aged men
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for lowering cholesterol
    •Can interact with statin medications, which many people take for high cholesterol
    •Should take 30 minutes before meals, which requires some planning
    •Not a good option for people who have liver, kidney, or gallbladder problems
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Lopid vs. Lipitor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Indigestion (20%)
    •Stomach pain (10%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Lopid vs. Lipitor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Gallstones
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Muscle damage
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Lopid vs. Lipitor

    Learn more about Gemfibrozil
    Learn more about Atorvastatin

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