Tricor vs. Vytorin for High Cholesterol: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Fenofibrate (brand names: Fenoglide, Trilipix, Antara, Tricor, Lipofen) and Vytorin (generic name: ezetimibe/simvastatin) are both used to manage cholesterol levels, but they work in different ways and belong to different drug classes. Fenofibrate is a fibrate that primarily lowers triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol (LDL) while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL). It is taken once daily and is available in various forms, including generics. Vytorin combines ezetimibe, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, and simvastatin, a statin, to lower "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides while raising "good" cholesterol. Vytorin is also taken once daily, preferably in the evening, and is available in a generic form. Fenofibrate is used cautiously with statins due to the risk of muscle damage, whereas Vytorin already includes a statin and carries a risk of muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis). Both medications require you to follow a healthy diet and regular exercise for the best results. Fenofibrate is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and Vytorin is also unsafe for pregnant or nursing individuals.

Fenofibrate

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Vytorin

(ezetimibe / simvastatin)

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Summary for Tricor

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).

Indications for Tricor

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

Pros and Cons for Tricor

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

Common Side Effects for Tricor

Liver damage (8%)
Lung problems (6%)
Stomach pain (5%)

Warnings for Tricor

Liver damage
Muscle damage (myopathy and rhabdomyolysis)
Possible effect on the kidneys
Allergic reactions
Gallstones
Pancreatitis
Blood clots

Summary for Vytorin

Prescription only

Vytorin (ezetimibe / simvastatin) is a combination of two different medications that work together to lower cholesterol in different ways. It lowers "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while raising "good" cholesterol levels. In doing so, Vytorin (ezetimibe / simvastatin) helps prevent severe and life-threatening medical problems, like heart attack or stroke. But, you should take it in addition to eating a healthy diet and having a regular exercise routine to get the most benefit from the medication.

Indications for Vytorin

Pros and Cons for Vytorin

Pros

More convenient to take a single pill containing two medications that work in different ways
Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL)
Taken once daily
Available as a lower-cost, generic form

Cons

More difficult to customize the dose since it's a fixed combination of two medications
Can cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problem that's a medical emergency
Works better to if taken at night
Not safe for people who are pregnant or nursing