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.
