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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
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
  • Simvastatin
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

  • Summary of Simvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    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.

    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
    •High cholesterol in adults
    •High triglycerides in adults
    •Homozyglous 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
    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
    •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
    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
    •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%)
    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
    •Liver problems
    •Higher blood sugar levels
    •Risk of harm when taken while pregnant 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

    Learn more about Simvastatin
    Learn more about Atorvastatin

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