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Compare Zocor vs. Tricor

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

Key takeaways

Simvastatin (Zocor, Flolipid) and fenofibrate (Tricor, Trilipix) are both medications used to manage cholesterol levels, but they belong to different classes and work in distinct ways. Simvastatin is a statin that lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL) by blocking an enzyme in your liver. Fenofibrate, on the other hand, is a fibrate that breaks down lipids in your blood to achieve similar effects. Simvastatin is typically taken at night, while fenofibrate can be taken at any time of the day. Fenofibrate is especially effective at lowering triglycerides and is often used as an add-on to diet, but it usually isn't combined with statins due to the risk of muscle damage. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable. However, fenofibrate has a broader range of dosage forms and brands. While both medications can cause liver problems and muscle pain, fenofibrate also carries risks of gallstones, pancreatitis, and blood clots.

  • Simvastatin (Zocor)
    Fenofibrate
  • Simvastatin (Zocor)
    Fenofibrate

  • Summary of Zocor vs. Tricor

    Summary for Statin
    Prescription only

    Simvastatin (Zocor) is a statin used to lower your cholesterol to help protect your heart and blood vessels from serious, and even life-threatening, medical problems, such as heart attack or stroke. Simvastatin (Zocor) isn't meant to lower cholesterol on its own. Instead, you should take it in addition to eating a healthy diet and having a regular exercise routine. To get the most out of the medication, it's best to take simvastatin (Zocor) nightly before going to sleep.

    Summary for Fibrate
    Prescription only

    Fenofibrate (also known as fenofibric acid) is used as an add-on medication to diet to treat high triglycerides and high cholesterol. Common side effects include liver problems, breathing problems, and stomach pain. Fenofibrate includes a warning about avoiding statin medications because of the risk of muscle damage, and also because it doesn't add any extra benefit in reducing the risk of heart problems compared to taking a statin alone. Fenofibrate is available in many brand names (e.g., Antara, Tricor, Trilipix), generics, and dosage forms (e.g., micronized capsules, delayed-release capsules, tablets).

  • Indications of Zocor vs. Tricor

    Indications for
    •Prevention of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack or stroke) in people at higher-risk for heart problems
    •Lower high "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people
    Indications for
    •Treatment of high triglycerides - add-on to diet
    •Treatment of high "bad" cholesterol (LDL), with or without high triglycerides and low "good" cholesterol (HDL) - add-on to diet

  • Pros and Cons of Zocor vs. Tricor

    Pros and Const for Statin
    Pros
    •Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL)
    •Can help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke
    •Oral solution (Flolipid) available for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    •Can be used in children as young as 10 years old
    Cons
    •Can't take if you've certain 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
    •Simvastatin (Zocor) has the highest risk among the statins to cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problem
    Pros and Const for Fibrate
    Pros
    •Lowers triglycerides and LDL ("bad" cholesterol) while raising HDL ("good" cholesterol)
    •Only needs to be taken once daily
    •Some brands can be taken with or without food
    •Some brands available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Need to take it alongside a low-fat diet; doesn't work well on its own
    •Can cause muscle damage, especially if taken with a statin
    •Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Can't take if you have liver, severe kidney, or gallbladder problems

  • Common Side Effects of Zocor vs. Tricor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Cough, runny nose, and other symptoms of bronchitis (7%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Irregular heart beat (6%)
    •Nausea, stomach pain ,and other symptoms of stomach inflammation (5%)
    •Eczema (dry, itchy skin) (5%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage (8%)
    •Lung problems (6%)
    •Stomach pain (5%)

  • Warnings of Zocor vs. Tricor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Worsening liver problems and liver failure
    •High blood sugar
    •Possible harm during in pregnancy or breastfeeding
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Muscle damage (myopathy and rhabdomyolysis)
    •Possible effect on the kidneys
    •Allergic reactions
    •Gallstones
    •Pancreatitis
    •Blood clots

  • Prices with our coupons for Zocor vs. Tricor

    Learn more about Simvastatin
    Learn more about Fenofibrate

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