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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.

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Simvastatin Vs. Atorvastatin: Which Should I Take For High Cholesterol?

Simvastatin

 

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Atorvastatin

(Lipitor)

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Summary for Simvastatin

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 for Simvastatin

Pros and Cons for Simvastatin

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 for Simvastatin

  • 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 for Simvastatin

  • Severe muscle pain and damage
  • Liver problems
  • Higher blood sugar levels
  • Possible risk of harm when taken while pregnant or breastfeeding

Summary for Atorvastatin

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 for Atorvastatin

Pros and Cons for Atorvastatin

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 for Atorvastatin

Warnings for Atorvastatin

  • 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 Simvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

Price Card Drug Icon
Simvastatin90 tablets / 20mg
$14.67$80.60
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Atorvastatin30 tablets / 40mg
$9.73$15.56
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