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Comparing Lipitor vs Pravastatin

Lipitor

atorvastatin

Pravastatin

Lipitor is effective at lowering cholesterol; however, its use may be limited by side effects such as muscle pain. Prescribed for High Cholesterol, Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, High... more

Pravastatin is effective at lowering cholesterol; however, it may not be as effective as atorvastatin. Grapefruit products do not affect pravastatin to the same extent as atorvastatin. Prescribed for... more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
6.0
59 Reviews

For High Cholesterol This medicine did a number on my legs. Had numbness, the legs felt like led, wobbly. I had been a mail carrier and walked 10-11 miles and day, retired but continued to walk 4-5 miles a day besides being very active with DIY projects and part time job. Took Lipitor earlier this year. It got the numbers down, but I had 3 ER visits in one week and spent the night in the hospital because my legs were acting up and it scared me and my heart did weird things. Lot of stress for me and my family. We have good insurance, but this will still probably be around $2000. I would not recommend Lipitor to anyone-there are other cholesterol meds out there.

5
former mail man

For High Cholesterol I have taken this for 8 years but it makes me feel like a zombie. And it affects my memory and motor skills. I recently went back to work and had to quit the lipitor because it affected my ability to work. Don't know what I will try next. Started on Crestor 9 years ago and couldn't stand the pain in my legs.

5
momlovestobake
5.1
38 Reviews

For High Cholesterol Thought all my issues were from babysitting 3 kids under 5 for 5 years. Brain fog, blurry vision, severe muscle and joint pain in mid and lower back,anxious, awful Charlie horses in foot,leg pain, feeling like I aged 10 years. Been to 2 spine docs, chiro for 6 months, physical therapy, unlimited trips to my GP. (yes you have stress) no kidding I am in pain. Not one Doc said it was my meds. Finally going to a pain management doc for my back. My elbows started to hurt over summer and when I mentioned it to him he I said could it be pravistatin he said he has seen it before. Stopped pravistatin 2 months ago, fog is gone, no charlie horses, anxious well down, back is FINALLY starting to feel better. I am so mad no Dr ever mentioned it!

4
bdriver

For High Cholesterol I have been on pravastatin for nearly five months. Two months ago I felt soreness in my wrists. One month ago soreness and weakness in both knees. I will call my treating physician tomorrow. I can hardly get up from a sitting position.

4
Stephen II

View all 59 reviews

View all 38 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Common side effects include: hemorrhagic stroke, arthralgia, diarrhea, and nasopharyngitis.

See the full Lipitor side effects document.

See the full pravastatin side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 30 tablet
Dosage 10 mg
Per Unit* $5.50 - $6.07
Cost* $165.03 - $181.98
View all Lipitor prices
View generic prices
Quantity 50 each
Dosage 20 mg
Per Unit* $0.83
Cost* $41.26
View all pravastatin prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names

N/A

 Pravachol

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

14 hours

3 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
X
Category X Not for use in pregnancy

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
X
Category X Not for use in pregnancy

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (8)

FDA Alerts (3)

Drug Interactions

A total of 386 drugs are known to interact with Lipitor:

  • 58 major drug interactions (170 brand and generic names)
  • 253 moderate drug interactions (832 brand and generic names)
  • 75 minor drug interactions (674 brand and generic names)

A total of 169 drugs are known to interact with pravastatin:

  • 17 major drug interactions (48 brand and generic names)
  • 148 moderate drug interactions (429 brand and generic names)
  • 4 minor drug interactions (9 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of atorvastatin. This can increase the risk of side... more

No results found - however, this does not necessarily mean no warnings exist. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

December 17, 1996

October 31, 1991

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Disclaimer: This site is designed to offer information for general educational purposes only. The health information furnished on this site and the interactive responses are not intended to be professional advice and are not intended to replace personal consultation with a qualified physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. You must always seek the advice of a professional for questions related to a disease, disease symptoms, and appropriate therapeutic treatments.

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