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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 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 Vytorin vs. Atorvastatin

    Indications for
    •High cholesterol
    •Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH)
    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 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 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 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
    •Common cold symptoms (8%)
    •Joint pain (7%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    •Pain in arms or legs (6%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI; 6%)
    •Indigestion (5%)

  • 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
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Vytorin vs. Atorvastatin

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    Learn more about Atorvastatin

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