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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 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 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

•High cholesterol in adults

•High triglycerides in adults

•Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in people ages 10 years and older

•Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in people ages 10 years and older

•Lowering the risk of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in adults at high risk
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 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 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

•Common cold symptoms (8%)

•Joint pain (7%)

•Diarrhea (7%)

•Pain in arms or legs (6%)

•Urinary tract infection (UTI; 6%)

•Indigestion (5%)
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

•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
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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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