Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Tricor vs. Atorvastatin

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

Key takeaways

Fenofibrate (Tricor, Trilipix) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are both used to manage cholesterol levels, but they belong to different classes of medications and work in distinct ways. Fenofibrate is a fibrate that primarily lowers triglycerides and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) by breaking down lipids in your blood. Atorvastatin, on the other hand, is a statin that lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides by blocking an enzyme in your liver that makes cholesterol. While both medications can be taken once daily, fenofibrate is available in various forms and brands, and its dosage may vary based on the specific formulation and your kidney function. Atorvastatin is available as a lower-cost generic and can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. Both medications can cause serious side effects like liver problems and muscle damage, but atorvastatin also has a risk of raising blood sugar levels. Fenofibrate and atorvastatin are not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Both medications should be used with caution if you have liver problems, but Fenofibrate can also be problematic if you have gallbladder or severe kidney issues. Both medications require regular lab work to monitor their effects.

  • Fenofibrate
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
  • Fenofibrate
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

  • Summary of Tricor vs. Atorvastatin

    Summary for Fibrate
    Prescription only

    Fenofibrate (also known as fenofibric acid) is used as an add-on medication to diet to treat high triglycerides and high cholesterol. Common side effects include liver problems, breathing problems, and stomach pain. Fenofibrate includes a warning about avoiding statin medications because of the risk of muscle damage, and also because it doesn't add any extra benefit in reducing the risk of heart problems compared to taking a statin alone. Fenofibrate is available in many brand names (e.g., Antara, Tricor, Trilipix), generics, and dosage forms (e.g., micronized capsules, delayed-release capsules, tablets).

    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 Tricor vs. Atorvastatin

    Indications for
    •Treatment of high triglycerides - add-on to diet
    •Treatment of high "bad" cholesterol (LDL), with or without high triglycerides and low "good" cholesterol (HDL) - add-on to diet
    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 Tricor vs. Atorvastatin

    Pros and Const for Fibrate
    Pros
    •Lowers triglycerides and LDL ("bad" cholesterol) while raising HDL ("good" cholesterol)
    •Only needs to be taken once daily
    •Some brands can be taken with or without food
    •Some brands available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Need to take it alongside a low-fat diet; doesn't work well on its own
    •Can cause muscle damage, especially if taken with a statin
    •Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Can't take if you have liver, severe kidney, or gallbladder problems
    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 Tricor vs. Atorvastatin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage (8%)
    •Lung problems (6%)
    •Stomach pain (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 Tricor vs. Atorvastatin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Muscle damage (myopathy and rhabdomyolysis)
    •Possible effect on the kidneys
    •Allergic reactions
    •Gallstones
    •Pancreatitis
    •Blood clots
    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 Tricor vs. Atorvastatin

    Learn more about Fenofibrate
    Learn more about Atorvastatin

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.