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Niaspan vs. Vytorin

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

Key takeaways

Niacin ER (Niaspan) and Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin) are both medications used to lower high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, they belong to different medication classes. Niacin is an antilipemic and a form of vitamin B3, while Vytorin combines a cholesterol absorption inhibitor (ezetimibe) with a statin (simvastatin). Niacin is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, whereas Vytorin is available only by prescription. Niacin is taken once daily as an extended-release form or multiple times daily as an immediate-release form, while Vytorin is taken once daily in the evening. Common side effects of niacin include flushing and stomach upset, while Vytorin can cause headaches and muscle pain. Both medications can lead to serious side effects like liver damage and muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), but Vytorin has more interactions, including with grapefruit. Both medications are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

niacin ER

 

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Vytorin

(ezetimibe / simvastatin)

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Summary for Niaspan

Prescription or over-the-counter

Niacin ER (also known as vitamin B3) is a prescription antilipemic medication for adults. It's used to lower high cholesterol and triglycerides (a common form of fat) levels, but it's not a first-choice option for this condition. Niacin ER is taken by mouth once daily, while niacin (Niacor) is typically taken three times daily. Some side effects of niacin ER include flushing and stomach upset. Please note that niacin is also available over-the-counter to treat vitamin B3 deficiency.

Indications for Niaspan

  • High cholesterol and high triglycerides
  • Lower risk of repeat heart attack in people with a history of heart attack and high cholesterol
  • Slow plaque buildup in the arteries of people with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and high cholesterol (as an add-on medication)
  • Severely high triglycerides in people who are at risk of pancreatitis (as an add-on medication)

Pros and Cons for Niaspan

Pros

  • Can lower “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and raise “good” (HDL) cholesterol in people who have trouble doing so with diet and exercise alone
  • Can also lower triglycerides
  • An option for people who didn’t have success or had side effects with statins
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Cons

  • Doesn’t work as well as statin medications in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Can cause flushing, a bothersome side effect
  • Need to take immediate-release form multiple times a day
  • Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Niaspan

Extended-release tablets:

  • Flushing (up to 69%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 14%)
  • Nausea (up to 11%)

Warnings for Niaspan

  • Muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney and heart damage (rhabdomyolysis)
  • Liver damage

Summary for Vytorin

Prescription only

Vytorin (ezetimibe / simvastatin) is a combination of two different medications that work together to lower cholesterol in different ways. It lowers "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while raising "good" cholesterol levels. In doing so, Vytorin (ezetimibe / simvastatin) helps prevent severe and life-threatening medical problems, like heart attack or stroke. But, you should take it in addition to eating a healthy diet and having a regular exercise routine to get the most benefit from the medication.

Indications for Vytorin

Pros and Cons for Vytorin

Pros

  • More convenient to take a single pill containing two medications that work in different ways
  • Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL)
  • Taken once daily
  • Available as a lower-cost, generic form

Cons

  • More difficult to customize the dose since it's a fixed combination of two medications
  • Can cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problem that's a medical emergency
  • Works better to if taken at night
  • Not safe for people who are pregnant or nursing

Common Side Effects for Vytorin

  • Headache (6%)
  • Muscle pain (4%)
  • Runny nose, cough, and other symptoms of the common cold (4%)
  • Diarrhea (3%)

Warnings for Vytorin

  • Severe muscle pain and damage
  • Risk of liver problems
  • Risk of high blood sugar

Prices with our coupons for Niaspan vs. Vytorin

Price Card Drug Icon
Niacin ER90 tablets / 500mg
$29.95$288.83
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Ezetimibe/Simvastatin90 tablets / 10mg/40mg
$45.02$673.05
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