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Simvastatin Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Simvastatin Atorvastatin Lipitor
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Simvastatin Atorvastatin Lipitor (atorvastatin)
Prescription only

Simvastatin is effective at lowering cholesterol; however, it may cause muscle pain particularly at higher dosages. Prescribed for High Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, High Cholesterol -... View more

Prescription only

Atorvastatin is effective at lowering cholesterol; however, its use may be limited by side effects such as muscle pain. Prescribed for High Cholesterol, High Cholesterol - Familial Heterozygous... View more

Prescription only

Lipitor is effective at lowering cholesterol; however, its use may be limited by side effects such as muscle pain. Prescribed for High Cholesterol, High Cholesterol - Familial Heterozygous... View more

More about Simvastatin More about Atorvastatin More about Lipitor (atorvastatin)
Generic Status

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available
Ratings & Reviews

Simvastatin has an average rating of 4.8 out of 10 from a total of 126 ratings on Drugs.com. 32% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 49% reported a negative effect.

Atorvastatin has an average rating of 4.3 out of 10 from a total of 267 ratings on Drugs.com. 29% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 56% reported a negative effect.

Lipitor has an average rating of 4.7 out of 10 from a total of 100 ratings on Drugs.com. 35% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 51% reported a negative effect.

View all 126 reviews

View all 267 reviews

View all 100 reviews

Drug Class
Side Effects

See also: simvastatin side effects in more detail.

Commonly reported side effects include:

  • hemorrhagic stroke
  • arthralgia
  • diarrhea
  • nasopharyngitis

See also: atorvastatin side effects in more detail.

Common side effects include:

  • hemorrhagic stroke
  • arthralgia
  • diarrhea
  • nasopharyngitis

See also: Lipitor side effects in more detail.
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 100 each
Dosage 40 mg
Per Unit* $0.27 - $0.95
Cost* $27.19 - $95.00

View all simvastatin prices

Quantity 50 each
Dosage 20 mg
Per Unit* $0.43 - $0.63
Cost* $21.53 - $31.70

View all atorvastatin prices

Quantity 30 tablet
Dosage 10 mg
Per Unit* $6.17
Cost* $185.24

View all Lipitor prices and generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet
Brand Names
FloLipid, Zocor Lipitor

N/A
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.

N/A

14 hours

14 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.
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.
X
Category X Not for use in pregnancy

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 283 drugs are known to interact with simvastatin:

  • 56 major drug interactions (222 brand and generic names)
  • 217 moderate drug interactions (566 brand and generic names)
  • 10 minor drug interactions (51 brand and generic names)

A total of 338 drugs are known to interact with atorvastatin:

  • 43 major drug interactions (137 brand and generic names)
  • 261 moderate drug interactions (745 brand and generic names)
  • 34 minor drug interactions (244 brand and generic names)

A total of 338 drugs are known to interact with Lipitor:

  • 43 major drug interactions (137 brand and generic names)
  • 261 moderate drug interactions (745 brand and generic names)
  • 34 minor drug interactions (244 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels of simvastatin. This can increase the... View more
  • Simvastatin may cause liver problems and using it with substantial quantities of alcohol may... View more
  • Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of atorvastatin. This can increase the risk of side... View more
  • Atorvastatin may cause liver problems and using it with substantial quantities of alcohol may... View more
  • Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of atorvastatin. This can increase the risk of side... View more
  • Atorvastatin may cause liver problems and using it with substantial quantities of alcohol may... View more
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

December 23, 1991

December 17, 1996

December 17, 1996
WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

N/A
More Information
Patient 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.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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