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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)

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Atorvastatin

(Lipitor)

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Summary for Lopid

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.

Indications for Lopid

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)

Pros and Cons for Lopid

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

Common Side Effects for Lopid

  • Indigestion (20%)
  • Stomach pain (10%)
  • Diarrhea (7%)

Warnings for Lopid

  • Gallstones
  • Interactions with other medications
  • Muscle damage

Summary for Lipitor

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.

Indications for Lipitor

Pros and Cons for Lipitor

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

Common Side Effects for Lipitor

Warnings for Lipitor

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Lopid vs. Lipitor

Price Card Drug Icon
Gemfibrozil180 tablets / 600mg
$24.00$24.00
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Price Card Drug Icon
Atorvastatin30 tablets / 40mg
$9.73$15.56
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