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Compare Lovastatin vs. Tricor

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

Key takeaways

Lovastatin (generic name: lovastatin) and Fenofibrate (generic name: fenofibrate) are both used to manage cholesterol levels, but they belong to different classes of medications and work in distinct ways. Lovastatin is a statin that lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL) by blocking a protein in your liver that makes cholesterol. Fenofibrate, on the other hand, is a fibrate that breaks down lipids in your blood to achieve similar effects. While both medications can help lower cholesterol, fenofibrate is particularly effective at lowering triglycerides. Lovastatin is typically taken once a day with dinner, whereas fenofibrate is taken once daily and can be taken with or without food depending on the brand. Both medications have potential side effects, including muscle pain and liver problems, while fenofibrate can increase the risk of blood clots. Fenofibrate often isn't taken with statins due to the risk of muscle damage, but is sometimes required if other treatments don't work. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Lovastatin
    Fenofibrate
  • Lovastatin
    Fenofibrate

  • Summary of Lovastatin vs. Tricor

    Summary for Statin
    Prescription only

    Lovastatin is a low-to-moderate intensity statin that's taken once or twice per day. It's used to lower cholesterol in certain adults and children ages 10 years and older to help prevent heart attack or stroke. This medication lowers your "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (a type of fat) levels. It can also raise your "good" cholesterol (HDL). Follow a heart-healthy diet and get regular exercise while you're taking lovastatin so the medication can work as best as possible. Lovastatin side effects include stomach upset and headache.

    Summary for Fibrate
    Prescription only

    Fenofibrate (also known as fenofibric acid) is used as an add-on medication to diet to treat high triglycerides and high cholesterol. Common side effects include liver problems, breathing problems, and stomach pain. Fenofibrate includes a warning about avoiding statin medications because of the risk of muscle damage, and also because it doesn't add any extra benefit in reducing the risk of heart problems compared to taking a statin alone. Fenofibrate is available in many brand names (e.g., Antara, Tricor, Trilipix), generics, and dosage forms (e.g., micronized capsules, delayed-release capsules, tablets).

  • Indications of Lovastatin vs. Tricor

    Indications for
    •Lower "bad" cholesterol levels
    •Prevention of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack) in people at risk for heart disease
    Indications for
    •Treatment of high triglycerides - add-on to diet
    •Treatment of high "bad" cholesterol (LDL), with or without high triglycerides and low "good" cholesterol (HDL) - add-on to diet

  • Pros and Cons of Lovastatin vs. Tricor

    Pros and Const for Statin
    Pros
    •Helps lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats) and improve "good" cholesterol (HDL) levels
    •Lowers the risk of problems caused by high cholesterol, like heart attack or stroke, in people with certain conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Doesn't replace having a balanced diet and regular exercise routine to lower cholesterol levels
    •Has more dosing limits for certain drug interactions than some other statins
    •Not safe to use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Fibrate
    Pros
    •Lowers triglycerides and LDL ("bad" cholesterol) while raising HDL ("good" cholesterol)
    •Only needs to be taken once daily
    •Some brands can be taken with or without food
    •Some brands available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Need to take it alongside a low-fat diet; doesn't work well on its own
    •Can cause muscle damage, especially if taken with a statin
    •Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Can't take if you have liver, severe kidney, or gallbladder problems

  • Common Side Effects of Lovastatin vs. Tricor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Gas (4-5%)
    •Constipation (2-4%)
    •Nausea (2-3%)
    •Stomach pain (2-3%)
    •Muscle pain (2-3%)
    •Headache (2-3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage (8%)
    •Lung problems (6%)
    •Stomach pain (5%)

  • Warnings of Lovastatin vs. Tricor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Liver problems
    •Higher blood sugar levels
    •Possible harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Muscle damage (myopathy and rhabdomyolysis)
    •Possible effect on the kidneys
    •Allergic reactions
    •Gallstones
    •Pancreatitis
    •Blood clots

  • Prices with our coupons for Lovastatin vs. Tricor

    Learn more about Lovastatin
    Learn more about Fenofibrate

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