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Compare Vascepa vs. Lipitor

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

Key takeaways

Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are both used to help protect your heart, but they work in different ways and belong to different medication classes. Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) is an omega-3 fatty acid that lowers triglyceride levels and is often used with a statin to reduce the risk of heart problems in people with high triglycerides. It is taken twice daily with food and is available as a generic. Common side effects include muscle and bone pain, swelling, and constipation. On the other hand, atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin that lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL), raises "good" cholesterol (HDL), and also lowers triglycerides. It is taken once daily and is also available as a generic. Common side effects include runny nose, joint pain, and diarrhea. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) cannot be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, while the safety of icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) during pregnancy is not well-studied. Both medications require you to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly for the best results.

Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Summary of Vascepa vs. Lipitor
Summary for Omega-3 fatty acid
Prescription only
Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) contains omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and is used to lower triglyceride (TG) levels in adults. When taken together with a statin, icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) can help protect the heart of certain people who are at high risk of heart disease. The medication is taken by mouth twice daily. Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) is available as a brand-name capsule and also has generic alternatives. The most common side effects include muscle and bone pain, swelling in the arms and legs, and constipation.
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 Vascepa vs. Lipitor
Indications for

•Lower the risk of heart problems in adults also taking statins who have high triglyceride levels, and have heart disease or diabetes with at least 2 risk factors for heart disease

•Lower triglyceride levels in adults with very high triglycerides levels when taken together with a healthy 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 Vascepa vs. Lipitor
Pros and Const for Omega-3 fatty acid
Pros

•Has been shown to lower the risk for heart problems in people with heart disease or diabetes with other risk factors

•Good choice for people with very high triglyceride levels

•Safe for use in people age 65 and older

•Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Cons

•Might raise your risk of bleeding

•Needs to be taken twice a day with food

•Might need to take many capsules per day, depending on your dose

•Risk of allergic reaction if you're allergic to fish or shellfish

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 Vascepa vs. Lipitor
Common Side Effects for

•Muscle, bone, and joint pain

•Swelling in arms, legs, hands, or feet

•Constipation

•Gout

•Irregular heart rhythm

•Pain in mouth and throat

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 Vascepa vs. Lipitor
Common Side Effects for

•Heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter)

•Allergic reactions in people who have fish allergies

•Bleeding

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
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Compare Vascepa vs. Lipitor

Key takeaways

Summary of Vascepa vs. Lipitor

Indications of Vascepa vs. Lipitor

Pros and Cons of Vascepa vs. Lipitor

Common Side Effects of Vascepa vs. Lipitor

Warnings of Vascepa vs. Lipitor

Prices with our coupons for Vascepa vs. Lipitor

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