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Simvastatin Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Simvastatin Remove Simvastatin from your drug comparison Atorvastatin Remove Atorvastatin from your drug comparison Lipitor Remove Lipitor from your drug comparison
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Simvastatin Remove Simvastatin from your drug comparison Atorvastatin Remove Atorvastatin from your drug comparison Lipitor atorvastatin Remove Lipitor from your drug comparison

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

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

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

Prescription only

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 117 reviews

View all 226 reviews

View all 87 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

See the full simvastatin side effects document.

Commonly reported side effects include: hemorrhagic stroke, arthralgia, diarrhea, nasopharyngitis.

See the full atorvastatin side effects document.

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

See the full Lipitor side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 100 each
Dosage 40 mg
Per Unit* $0.24 - $0.95
Cost* $24.07 - $95.00

View all simvastatin prices

Quantity 50 each
Dosage 20 mg
Per Unit* $0.39 - $0.56
Cost* $19.41 - $27.78

View all atorvastatin prices

Quantity 30 tablet
Dosage 10 mg
Per Unit* $6.12
Cost* $183.73

View all Lipitor prices and generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes (this medicine)

Yes

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.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (8)

FDA Alerts (5)

FDA Alerts (8)

Drug Interactions

A total of 270 drugs are known to interact with simvastatin:

  • 54 major drug interactions (187 brand and generic names)
  • 206 moderate drug interactions (542 brand and generic names)
  • 10 minor drug interactions (50 brand and generic names)

A total of 321 drugs are known to interact with atorvastatin:

  • 42 major drug interactions (134 brand and generic names)
  • 246 moderate drug interactions (711 brand and generic names)
  • 33 minor drug interactions (243 brand and generic names)

A total of 321 drugs are known to interact with Lipitor:

  • 42 major drug interactions (134 brand and generic names)
  • 246 moderate drug interactions (711 brand and generic names)
  • 33 minor drug interactions (243 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

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.

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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