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Compare Vytorin vs. Atorvastatin

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

Key takeaways

Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are both medications used to lower cholesterol, but they work in different ways and have some key differences. Vytorin is a combination of two medications: ezetimibe, which blocks cholesterol absorption in the intestines, and simvastatin, a statin that reduces cholesterol production in the liver. Atorvastatin, on the other hand, is a single statin that also lowers cholesterol by blocking its production in the liver. Vytorin is typically taken in the evening because simvastatin is short-acting, while atorvastatin can be taken at any time of the day due to its long-acting nature. Both medications can cause serious side effects like muscle pain and liver problems, but Vytorin has a higher risk of muscle damage at higher doses. Atorvastatin is available in a generic form and as a liquid for those who have trouble swallowing pills, while Vytorin is available as a lower-cost generic but only in pill form. Neither medication is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • Vytorin (ezetimibe / simvastatin)
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
  • Vytorin (ezetimibe / simvastatin)
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

  • Summary of Vytorin vs. Atorvastatin

    Summary for Cholesterol absorption inhibitor / Statin
    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.

    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 Vytorin vs. Atorvastatin

    Indications for
    •High cholesterol
    •Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH)
    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 Vytorin vs. Atorvastatin

    Pros and Const for Cholesterol absorption inhibitor / Statin
    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
    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 Vytorin vs. Atorvastatin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (6%)
    •Muscle pain (4%)
    •Runny nose, cough, and other symptoms of the common cold (4%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    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 Vytorin vs. Atorvastatin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Risk of liver problems
    •Risk of high blood sugar
    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 Vytorin vs. Atorvastatin

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    Learn more about Atorvastatin

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