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Compare Simvastatin vs. Niaspan

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

Key takeaways

Simvastatin (Zocor) and Niacin ER (extended-release) are both used to manage cholesterol levels, but they work differently and have distinct uses. Simvastatin, a statin, is primarily used to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising "good" HDL cholesterol. It works by blocking an enzyme in your liver that makes cholesterol. Niacin ER, also known as vitamin B3, is an antilipemic medication that lowers cholesterol by blocking the release of fat from fatty tissue and slowing down cholesterol production in the liver. Simvastatin is typically taken once daily in the evening, while Niacin ER is taken at bedtime after a low-fat snack. Simvastatin is a first-choice medication for lowering cholesterol, whereas Niacin ER is usually an add-on treatment for those who can't achieve their cholesterol goals with diet, exercise, or statins alone. Common side effects of Simvastatin include muscle pain and liver issues, while Niacin ER often causes flushing and stomach upset. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Simvastatin (Zocor)
    Niacin er
  • Simvastatin (Zocor)
    Niacin er

  • Summary of Simvastatin vs. Niaspan

    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 Antilipemic

    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 of Simvastatin vs. Niaspan

    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
    •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 of Simvastatin vs. Niaspan

    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 Antilipemic
    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 of Simvastatin vs. Niaspan

    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

    Extended-release tablets:

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

  • Warnings of Simvastatin vs. Niaspan

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Simvastatin vs. Niaspan

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    Learn more about Niacin er

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