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Compare Mevacor vs. Zocor

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

Key takeaways

Lovastatin (generic name: lovastatin) and Simvastatin (generic name: simvastatin) are both statins used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, there are some differences between the two. Lovastatin is a low-to-moderate intensity statin and is typically taken once or twice a day with food, while Simvastatin is also a low-to-moderate intensity statin but is usually taken once daily in the evening. Simvastatin has a higher risk of causing severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) compared to Lovastatin. Additionally, Simvastatin is available as an oral solution (Flolipid) for those who have trouble swallowing tablets, whereas Lovastatin does not have this option. Both medications should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and you should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking either medication. Lastly, common side effects like headache and stomach pain are possible with both Simvastatin and Lovastatin.

  • Lovastatin
    Simvastatin (Zocor)
  • Lovastatin
    Simvastatin (Zocor)

  • Summary of Mevacor vs. Zocor

    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 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 Mevacor vs. Zocor

    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
    •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 Mevacor vs. Zocor

    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 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 Mevacor vs. Zocor

    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
    •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 Mevacor vs. Zocor

    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
    •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 Mevacor vs. Zocor

    Learn more about Lovastatin
    Learn more about Simvastatin

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