Question 1

simvastatin (generic zocor) or the generic for lipitor (atorvastatin)? what is the difference?

Accepted Answer

Statins: The milligram for milligram potency of Lipitor (atorvastatin) is higher than that for simvastatin. There is some difference in the incidence of side effects but clinically these are not seen very often. Since Lipitor (atorvastatin) became generic it has become more popular. Rosuvastatin(crestor) not generic so expensive has become very popular tho' why given its cost/pill relative to the others is debatable.

Question 2

how does simvastatin compare to lipitor (atorvastatin)?

Accepted Answer

Anti Lipid meds: Both medication are good for lowering the cholesterol but Lipitor (atorvastatin) is some what better since it has less side effect .It also has less incidence of rhabdomyelosis when used with certain other medication.

Question 3

dr switched me back to 40mg simvastatin after taking 20mg lipitor (atorvastatin). should i get off the lipitor (atorvastatin) for a few days before starting simvastatin?

Accepted Answer

Not necessary: Simvastatin 40mg is similar in potency to 20mg of lipitor (atorvastatin).  There is no need to stop Lipitor (atorvastatin) for a few days before starting Simvastatin as they are similar drugs (both are statins).  The Simvastatin can be started the day after stopping the Lipitor (atorvastatin) -- for most efficacy, take a statin at bedtime.

Question 4

what is a better cholesterol lowering medicine? lipitor (atorvastatin) or simvastatin?

Accepted Answer

Lipitor (atorvastatin): Works better than Simvastatin for some people. Simvastatin controls cholesterol for many people though [watch out for maximum dose and possible interactions with your other drugs]. Good news: Lipitor is now available as atorvastatin, its generic form, so it's cheaper! remember about eating well and exercising too. Good question.

Question 5

my doctor prefers pravastatin 80mg over lipitor (atorvastatin) 20mg or simvastatin 40mg. says it is safer but can't really tell me why.  anyone agree and if so, why?

Accepted Answer

Drug interactions: Pravastatin is metabolized differently than Lipitor (atorvastatin) or simvastatin. It may reduce the risk of adverse effects caused by interactions with other medications metabolized in the liver. (lovastatin, simvastatin, or Atorvastatin are oxidized by cytochrome p450 3a4 [cyp3a4], which is inhibited by many drugs.  Pravastatin or fluvastatin are not oxidized by cyp3a4).

Question 6

for cad, which low dose of statin you use if you have perfect cholesterol numbers tc 93 tg 96& ldl 42. pravachool, lipitor, (atorvastatin) or simvastatin. what dose?

Accepted Answer

Statin: As you have good lipid levels, you are looking for the nonlipid benefits of statin. There isn't any evidence there's a difference between the drugs for this effect. Of those you listed Simvastatin or Atorvastatin are probably what i'd choose though can't say prava wouldn't be as good.

Question 7

atorvastatin vs simvastatin: which one is safer?

Accepted Answer

statins: Simvastatin generally has fewer side effects than Atorvastatin but people react as individuals.

Question 8

whats the difference between atorvastatin vs simvastatin?

Accepted Answer

Lipitor (atorvastatin) v Zocor: Both are effective "statins" to lower cholesterol. Atorvastatin is more effective and less toxic than simvastatin, but neither is as effective as Crestor (rosuvastatin). For 95 % of people, with proper diet/exercise neither is necessary to reach  a nonhdl cholesterol of 90 (subtract good = HDL fom total cholesterol = non hdl) = where coronary artery disease ceases.. See www.Thepmc.Org website.

Question 9

what the difference between atorvastatin 40mg and simvastatin 40mg?

Accepted Answer

Difference: Is mainly that Atorvastarin tends to be more effective at lowering LDL at the same dose than simvastatin.

Question 10

am changing from simvastatin 40mg to atorvastatin. shall i start with atorvastatin  40mg or with 20mg? is atorvastatin best taken at night or morning?

Accepted Answer

See below. : Best to take with your evening meal. Regarding the dose.. It depends on how much you need to lower your cholesterol/ldl. 
Atovastatin is more potent so you may be able to use a lower dose. Speak with your doctor.

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Doctor answers about:

Lipitor vs zocor comparison

A member asked:

Simvastatin (generic zocor) or the generic for lipitor (atorvastatin)? what is the difference?

A member asked:

How does simvastatin compare to lipitor (atorvastatin)?

A member asked:

Dr switched me back to 40mg simvastatin after taking 20mg lipitor (atorvastatin). should i get off the lipitor (atorvastatin) for a few days before starting simvastatin?

A member asked:

What is a better cholesterol lowering medicine? lipitor (atorvastatin) or simvastatin?

A member asked:

My doctor prefers pravastatin 80mg over lipitor (atorvastatin) 20mg or simvastatin 40mg. says it is safer but can't really tell me why. anyone agree and if so, why?

A member asked:

For cad, which low dose of statin you use if you have perfect cholesterol numbers tc 93 tg 96& ldl 42. pravachool, lipitor, (atorvastatin) or simvastatin. what dose?

A member asked:

Atorvastatin vs simvastatin: which one is safer?

A member asked:

Whats the difference between atorvastatin vs simvastatin?

A member asked:

What the difference between atorvastatin 40mg and simvastatin 40mg?

A member asked:

Am changing from simvastatin 40mg to atorvastatin. shall i start with atorvastatin 40mg or with 20mg? is atorvastatin best taken at night or morning?

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