Simvastatin comes under the name Zocor, while Lipitor is the brand name for atorvastatin. Each is available as a generic product, as well. You can buy either drug in most pharmacies with a prescription from your doctor.
The costs of generic simvastatin and atorvastatin are both fairly low, with generic simvastatin being slightly less expensive. The brand-name drugs are much more expensive than their generics. But when it comes to the brand-name versions, atorvastatin is less expensive.
Your doctor will consider many factors when recommending treatment with a statin such as simvastatin and atorvastatin. Often, choosing the right drug is less about comparing the drugs to each other and more about matching the possible interactions and side effects of each drug with your individual medical history and the other drugs you take. Statins only work if they are taken every day.
Learn about the types of statin medications, their differences, and the factors that may affect your doctor's recommendation. Simvastatin and Crestor are two statins that may help control your LDL cholesterol levels.
Learn more about these two medications. High triglycerides can have many causes, including genetics. When it's an inherited condition, it's known as familial hypertriglyceridemia. HDL cholesterol removes extra cholesterol and plaque buildup in your arteries. High cholesterol often has no symptoms, but can lead to serious health issues. Having too many triglycerides in your blood can be harmful and lead to heart disease.
By preventing your body from making cholesterol, Zocor can lower your risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke. Zocor begins working as soon as you take your dose.
Zocor reaches its highest levels in your body about 4 hours after you take your dose. Studies have shown that Zocor like other statins can cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Zocor, stop taking the medication right away and call your doctor. However, if it does pass into breast milk, Zocor could cause serious side effects in a breastfed child.
If you have questions about the best way to feed your child during your Zocor treatment, talk with your doctor. Before taking Zocor, talk with your doctor about your health history. Zocor may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health, including the following.
Muscle pain and weakness is a possible side effect of Zocor. Some people have a higher risk of developing this side effect because of certain factors, such as:.
This is because Zocor can damage your liver. If you have a history of liver disease, you may have a higher risk of this side effect from taking Zocor. Before taking Zocor, tell your doctor if you currently have liver disease or have had it in the past. Consistently drinking large amounts of alcohol can cause liver damage. Drinking excessively during your Zocor treatment could raise your risk of liver problems. Before taking Zocor, talk with your doctor if you have a history of excessive alcohol use.
Ask your doctor other medications that may be better options for you. Do not use more Zocor than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.
You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at or use their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away. When you get Zocor from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication. The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk to your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.
How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.
This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication.
In children ages 10 to 17 years, Zocor is also used as an adjunct treatment. The recommended dosing is 5 to 40 mg once daily, usually in the evening. HMG-CoA is the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis. This is not believed to be impacted by food. Zocor is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. The tablets should be stored in a tightly sealed container away from light.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication.
The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. Eating a healthy diet is one way to keep cholesterol levels in check.
Learn which foods to avoid and which to prioritize to maintain healthy…. The body needs cholesterol, but too much bad cholesterol can be harmful and is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. In this article…. Learn about lifestyle strategies and drugs that may help. Natural ways to lower cholesterol include replacing trans fats and saturated…. There are two types of cholesterol. One is harmful, and builds up in the arteries, but the other can actually benefit the body.
In this MNT Knowledge…. Zocor simvastatin. Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm. What is Zocor? Zocor generic.
Zocor side effects. Zocor dosage. Zocor uses. Alternatives to Zocor. Zocor vs. Zocor and alcohol. Zocor interactions. Common questions about Zocor.
How to take Zocor. Zocor use with other drugs. Zocor cost. How Zocor works. Zocor and pregnancy. Zocor and birth control. Zocor and breastfeeding. Zocor precautions. Zocor overdose. Zocor expiration, storage, and disposal. Professional information for Zocor.
Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Comparison chart Differences — Similarities —.
Physical properties of lipitor vs. Zocor and Lipitor are Prescribed For Lipitor and Zocor both are taken to reduce high blood pressure caused by cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke for those with clogged arteries. How zocor and lipitor work Lipitor works to break down colesterol deposits that collect within the blood vessels of the body to reduce high blood pressure.
Side effects of lipitor vs. Recommended dosage of zocor vs. Drug Interactions of lipitor and zocor Lipitor may be used in combination with a bile acid binding resin for additive effect. Used with Both Lipitor and Zocor should be combined with health , diet and exercise.
Follow Share Cite Authors. Share this comparison: If you read this far, you should follow us: "Lipitor vs Zocor. Comments: Lipitor vs Zocor. Anonymous comments 2 August 21, , am Long term 5 years or more substantial damage to other organs.
Related Comparisons. Contribute to Diffen Edit or create new comparisons in your area of expertise. Atorvastatin and simvastatin both belong to a drug class called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins. They are both used to lower LDL cholesterol levels. Atorvastatin and simvastatin are both effective statin drugs for lowering blood cholesterol. However, atorvastatin is considered a more potent statin.
Atorvastatin lasts longer in the body and can be taken in the morning or at night. Simvastatin has a higher risk of muscle pain or weakness than atorvastatin, especially at higher doses.
The prescribing doctor will determine the most effective statin on a case-by-case basis. Atorvastatin and simvastatin should not be used during pregnancy. Cholesterol levels may increase during pregnancy and are necessary to support a growing fetus. They may also cause fetal harm during pregnancy. According to cardiology experts , alcohol consumption in moderation is generally safe with statin use.
Excessive alcohol consumption that has led to liver disease is where problems may arise. Liver enzymes should be monitored throughout treatment with a statin. Statins are generally safe with minimal adverse side effects. According to the American Heart Association AHA , the benefits of statins outweigh the potential risk of side effects. However, certain statins, such as pravastatin and fluvastatin , may have a lower risk of myalgia than simvastatin and atorvastatin.
Compared to statins given in lower doses, high-dose statins are more likely to cause side effects. For instance, an 80 mg dose of simvastatin has the greatest risk of causing myalgia.
For this reason, the FDA has limited this dose of simvastatin only to certain people. Long-term side effects of statin therapy can vary depending on the person. Long-term side effects of statins may include muscle pain, liver damage, increased blood sugar, and problems with memory. However, the risk of long-term side effects is considered low when the drug is prescribed and administered properly.
The dose of atorvastatin does not need to be adjusted in those with kidney problems. In some people with severe kidney problems, atorvastatin use may need to be monitored.
In general, atorvastatin is not dangerous for the kidneys. However, atorvastatin use may lead to an increased risk of rhabdomyolysis, which can then lead to acute renal failure in severe cases. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of kidney problems before starting on a statin drug. Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug. Atorvastatin vs. By Gerardo Sison, Pharm.
Updated on May.
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