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Compare Lovaza vs. Atorvastatin

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

Key takeaways

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are both used to manage cholesterol levels, but they work in different ways and belong to different drug classes. Lovaza, made up of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, is an antilipemic that primarily lowers triglycerides and can be taken once or twice daily with food. It is not a statin and does not lower LDL cholesterol. Common side effects include burping and changes in taste. On the other hand, Lipitor is a statin that lowers LDL cholesterol, raises HDL cholesterol, and also lowers triglycerides. It is taken once daily and can be taken at any time of the day. Lipitor can cause serious side effects like muscle pain and liver problems, and it should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

  • Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
  • Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

  • Summary of Lovaza vs. Atorvastatin

    Summary for Antilipemic
    Prescription only

    Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) is made up of two different omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This medication is used to lower triglycerides (TG) levels in adults. It works best when you're also eating a low-cholesterol diet and engaging in regular exercise. Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) is taken by mouth once or twice per day with food. Some side effects include burping, upset stomach, and changes in your sense of taste.

    Summary for Statin
    Prescription only

    Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin that helps lower cholesterol. As a moderate-to-high-intensity statin, it can lower cholesterol by a greater amount than many other statins. It can also help protect your heart health. The dosage is taken by mouth once a day. Atorvastatin tablets are available as brand-name Lipitor and a generic. There's also a liquid form that only comes as brand name Atorvaliq. It's possible to have side effects like muscle pain, joint pain, and stomach upset. Most times, atorvastatin (Lipitor) is taken along with a heart-healthy diet to get the most benefits from treatment.

  • Indications of Lovaza vs. Atorvastatin

    Indications for
    •Add-on to diet for the treatment of high triglycerides (TG) in adults with TG levels greater than 500 mg/dL
    Indications for
    •High cholesterol in adults
    •High triglycerides in adults
    •Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in people ages 10 years and older
    •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 Lovaza vs. Atorvastatin

    Pros and Const for Antilipemic
    Pros
    •Works well to lower triglyceride levels
    •Can be taken once a day
    •Ingredients and purity regulated by FDA, unlike OTC fish oils
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Approved for adults only
    •Might not be appropriate for people with fish or shellfish allergies
    •Can cause burping and changes in taste as side effects
    •Capsule might be hard to swallow for some people
    Pros and Const for Statin
    Pros
    •Can lower cholesterol by more than 50% at higher doses
    •Taken just once a day
    •Approved for children as young as 10 years old with genetic cholesterol problems
    •Also available as a liquid (Atorvaliq) for those who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can't take if you have liver problems
    •Higher risk of side effects for some people, like older adults and people who drink alcohol daily
    •Risk of a serious muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis
    •Not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Lovaza vs. Atorvastatin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Burping (4%)
    •Changes in taste (4%)
    •Upset stomach (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Common cold symptoms (8%)
    •Joint pain (7%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    •Pain in arms or legs (6%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI; 6%)
    •Indigestion (5%)

  • Warnings of Lovaza vs. Atorvastatin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fish allergy
    •Heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter)
    •Risk of liver irritation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Liver problems
    •Higher blood sugar levels
    •Possible higher risk of brain bleed in certain people taking the 80 mg dose
    •Possible risk of harm when taken while pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Prices with our coupons for Lovaza vs. Atorvastatin

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