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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
  • Lovastatin
    Simvastatin

  • 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 is a low-to-moderate intensity statin that helps lower cholesterol. This helps lower the risk of serious problems like heart attack or stroke. It's approved for adults and certain children 10 years and older. Simvastatin tablets are available as brand-name Zocor and a generic. The liquid suspension form only comes as brand-name FloLipid. The simvastatin dose is taken by mouth once each night. It works best when you also eat heart-healthy foods and stay active. Possible side effects are stomach pain, muscle pain, and headache.

  • 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
    •High cholesterol in adults
    •High triglycerides in adults
    •Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in adults
    •Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in people ages 10 years and older
    •Lowering the risk of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in adults at high risk

  • 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
    •Can lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) by up to 49% at certain doses
    •Taken once a night
    •Has an oral solution version (FloLipid) that's an option for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    •Approved for children as young as 10 years old with HeFH
    Cons
    •Has the highest risk among the statins to cause muscle pain
    •Has some drug interactions, like with certain heart medications and grapefruit
    •Can't take if you have certain liver problems
    •Not recommended to take while pregnant or breastfeeding

  • 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
    •Bronchitis (7%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Irregular heartbeat (6%)
    •Inflamed stomach lining (nausea, vomiting, low appetite; 5%)
    •Eczema (dry, itchy skin; 5%)
    •Vertigo (dizzy, feeling like the room is spinning; 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
    •Liver problems
    •Higher blood sugar levels
    •Possible risk of harm when taken while pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Prices with our coupons for Mevacor vs. Zocor

    Learn more about Lovastatin
    Learn more about Simvastatin

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