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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

 

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Fenofibrate

 

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Summary for Zocor

Prescription only

Simvastatin is a low-to-moderate intensity statin that helps lower cholesterol. This helps lower the risk of serious problems like heart attack or stroke. It's approved for adults and certain children 10 years and older. Simvastatin tablets are available as brand-name Zocor and a generic. The liquid suspension form only comes as brand-name FloLipid. The simvastatin dose is taken by mouth once each night. It works best when you also eat heart-healthy foods and stay active. Possible side effects are stomach pain, muscle pain, and headache.

Indications for Zocor

Pros and Cons for Zocor

Pros

  • Can lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) by up to 49% at certain doses
  • Taken once a night
  • Has an oral solution version (FloLipid) that's an option for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
  • Approved for children as young as 10 years old with HeFH

Cons

  • Has the highest risk among the statins to cause muscle pain
  • Has some drug interactions, like with certain heart medications and grapefruit
  • Can't take if you have certain liver problems
  • Not recommended to take while pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Zocor

  • Bronchitis (7%)
  • Stomach pain (6%)
  • Irregular heartbeat (6%)
  • Inflamed stomach lining (nausea, vomiting, low appetite; 5%)
  • Eczema (dry, itchy skin; 5%)
  • Vertigo (dizzy, feeling like the room is spinning; 5%)

Warnings for Zocor

  • Severe muscle pain and damage
  • Liver problems
  • Higher blood sugar levels
  • Possible risk of harm when taken while pregnant or breastfeeding

Summary for Tricor

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 for Tricor

Pros and Cons for Tricor

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 for Tricor

Warnings for Tricor

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Simvastatin90 tablets / 20mg
$18.40$79.57
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Price Card Drug Icon
Fenofibrate30 tablets / 160mg
$16.97$37.94
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