Zypitamag vs. Atorvastatin for Coronary Artery Disease and High Cholesterol: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Zypitamag

(pitavastatin magnesium)

Atorvastatin

(Lipitor)

Summary for Zypitamag

Prescription only

Zypitamag, the brand name for pitavastatin magnesium, is a moderate-intensity statin. It lowers "bad" cholesterol in adults. Zypitamag (pitavastatin magnesium) is a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day at any time of day. Side effects include muscle pain, back pain, and constipation. To get the most out of treatment, follow a heart-healthy diet while taking this medication.

Indications for Zypitamag

High cholesterol in adults

Pros and Cons for Zypitamag

Pros

Generally lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) by about 30% to 49%
Taken once per day with or without food

Cons

Not approved for children with a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol
Can't crush the tablets, so might not be a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills whole

Common Side Effects for Zypitamag

Back pain (up to 4%)
Constipation (up to 4%)
Muscle pain (up to 3%)
Diarrhea (up to 3%)
Pain in arm or leg (up to 2%)

Warnings for Zypitamag

Severe muscle pain and damage
Liver problems
Higher blood sugar levels
Possible risk of harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Summary for Atorvastatin

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 for Atorvastatin

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 for Atorvastatin

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