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Vytorin vs. Lopid

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

Key takeaways

Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin) and Gemfibrozil (Lopid) are both medications used to manage cholesterol levels, but they work in different ways and belong to different drug classes. Vytorin is a combination of a cholesterol absorption inhibitor (ezetimibe) and a statin (simvastatin), which helps lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL). It is typically taken once daily in the evening. On the other hand, Gemfibrozil is a fibrate that helps break down fats in your body and is taken twice daily, 30 minutes before meals. Vytorin is available in a lower-cost generic form, and Gemfibrozil is also available as a generic. One key difference is that Gemfibrozil typically isn't taken with statins like simvastatin due to the risk of severe muscle damage, whereas Vytorin already contains a statin. Common side effects of Vytorin include headache and muscle pain, while Gemfibrozil commonly causes indigestion and stomach pain. Both medications require you to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine for the best results.

Vytorin

(ezetimibe / simvastatin)

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Gemfibrozil

(Lopid)

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Summary for Vytorin

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.

Indications for Vytorin

Pros and Cons for Vytorin

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

Common Side Effects for Vytorin

  • Headache (6%)
  • Muscle pain (4%)
  • Runny nose, cough, and other symptoms of the common cold (4%)
  • Diarrhea (3%)

Warnings for Vytorin

  • Severe muscle pain and damage
  • Risk of liver problems
  • Risk of high blood sugar

Summary for Lopid

Prescription only

Gemfibrozil (Lopid) is used as an add-on medication to diet to lower triglycerides (fats) and "bad" cholesterol (LDL). At the same time, this medication can help raise "good" cholesterol (HDL). The usual dosage is one tablet taken by mouth twice a day before meals. Common side effects of gemfibrozil (Lopid) include indigestion, stomach pain, and diarrhea. It has many interactions with other medications, including cholesterol-lowering medications called statins.

Indications for Lopid

As an add-on to diet for

  • Treatment of high triglycerides
  • Lower the risk of heart disease in people with low HDL, high LDL, and high triglycerides who've tried other options (e.g., exercise, other medications)

Pros and Cons for Lopid

Pros

  • Helps lower the risk of pancreas inflammation due to very high triglyceride levels
  • An alternative cholesterol medication for people who can't tolerate statins
  • Can lower the risk of serious heart events (e.g., heart attack) by 34% in certain middle-aged men
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Not a first-choice option for lowering cholesterol
  • Can interact with statin medications, which many people take for high cholesterol
  • Should take 30 minutes before meals, which requires some planning
  • Not a good option for people who have liver, kidney, or gallbladder problems

Common Side Effects for Lopid

  • Indigestion (20%)
  • Stomach pain (10%)
  • Diarrhea (7%)

Warnings for Lopid

  • Gallstones
  • Interactions with other medications
  • Muscle damage

Prices with our coupons for Vytorin vs. Lopid

Price Card Drug Icon
Ezetimibe/Simvastatin90 tablets / 10mg/40mg
$45.02$673.05
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Price Card Drug Icon
Gemfibrozil180 tablets / 600mg
$24.00$24.00
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