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Compare Simvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

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

Key takeaways

Simvastatin (Zocor) and Atorvastatin (Lipitor) are both statins used to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL). However, there are some key differences between the two. Simvastatin (Zocor) is considered a low-to-moderate intensity statin, while Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a moderate-to-high intensity statin, meaning Atorvastatin can lower cholesterol more effectively at certain doses. Simvastatin is typically taken at night because it is short-acting, whereas Atorvastatin can be taken at any time of the day due to its long-acting nature. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable. Simvastatin has a higher risk of causing severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) compared to other statins, while Atorvastatin has a potential risk of causing strokes or brain bleeds in people who recently had a stroke. Both medications should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

drug combination

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  • Simvastatin (Zocor)
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
  • Simvastatin (Zocor)
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

  • Summary of Simvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    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.

    Summary for Statin
    Prescription only

    Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin that lowers "bad" cholesterol, raises "good" cholesterol, lowers triglycerides (TG, also known as fats). In addition, it helps protect your heart and blood vessels. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is known as a moderate-to-high-intensity statin, meaning it lowers your cholesterol more so than many other statins. And as with all statins, atorvastatin (Lipitor) can cause rare, but serious side effects, such as liver problems or severe muscle pain. It's important that you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly in order to get the most benefits from this medication.

  • Indications of Simvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    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
    Indications for
    •Prevention of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack or stroke) in high-risk adults (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of cholesterol problems)
    •Treatment of high "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people

  • Pros and Cons of Simvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    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
    Pros and Const for Statin
    Pros
    •Can help lower the risk of heart attack, and stroke
    •Can be used in children as young as 10 years old
    •Long-acting, so can take it at anytime
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available as a liquid (Atorvaliq) for those having trouble swallowing the tablets
    Cons
    •Can't be used in pregnant or breastfeeding females
    •Can't be used in people with 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
    •Can cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problem

  • Common Side Effects of Simvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Runny nose or sore throat (8%)
    •Joint pain (7%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    •Pain in arms and legs (6%)
    •Pain while urinating, needing to urinate more often, and other symptoms of an urinary tract infection (UTI) (6%)

  • Warnings of Simvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Worsening liver problems and liver failure
    •High blood sugar
    •Not for use in pregnant or breastfeeding females
    •Possible strokes or brain bleeds

  • Prices with our coupons for Simvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

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    Learn more about Atorvastatin

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