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Compare Lopid vs. Zocor

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

Key takeaways

Gemfibrozil (Lopid) and Simvastatin (Zocor) 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, lowering triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol (LDL) while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL). It is typically taken twice a day before meals. On the other hand, Simvastatin is a statin that blocks an enzyme in your liver that makes cholesterol, also lowering LDL and triglycerides while raising HDL. Simvastatin is usually taken once daily in the evening. While both medications can cause muscle pain, the risk is higher with Simvastatin, especially at higher doses. Additionally, Gemfibrozil should not be taken with statins like Simvastatin due to the increased risk of severe muscle damage. Simvastatin is available in both tablet and oral solution forms, whereas Gemfibrozil is only available as a tablet. Both medications require a prescription and are available in lower-cost generic forms.

  • Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
    Simvastatin (Zocor)
  • Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
    Simvastatin (Zocor)

  • Summary of Lopid vs. Zocor

    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

    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 Lopid vs. Zocor

    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 people at higher-risk for heart problems
    •Lower high "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people

  • Pros and Cons of Lopid vs. Zocor

    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
    •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 Lopid vs. Zocor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Indigestion (20%)
    •Stomach pain (10%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    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 Lopid vs. Zocor

    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
    •Possible harm during in pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Prices with our coupons for Lopid vs. Zocor

    Learn more about Gemfibrozil
    Learn more about Simvastatin

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