Atorvastatin vs. Simvastatin: What's The Difference?
By Jennifer Hadley•
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 102 million adults in America have high cholesterol.
A total cholesterol level of 200mg/dL or higher is considered unhealthy. High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, so it is essential to have it managed by your health care provider. Medications that are commonly prescribed to treat high cholesterol are known as statins. Examples of statins include the brand drugs Lipitor and Zocor, and their generic counterparts atorvastatin and simvastatin.
Read on to learn about the difference between atorvastatin and simvastatin.
What's the difference between Atorvastatin and Simvastatin?
Atorvastatin and simvastatin are both prescribed to reduce “bad cholesterol” known as LDL cholesterol. Both can also help to produce “good cholesterol” known as HDL cholesterol.
Atorvastatin and simvastatin also both reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and belong to a class of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. However, there are a few differences between the medications. Differences between atorvastatin and simvastatin include:
- Dosage
- Potency
- Price
Dosage
Both simvastatin and atorvastatin are taken as an oral tablet once per day. Simvastatin is typically taken at night, while atorvastatin can be taken at any time during the day. The recommended dose of atorvastatin may range from 10-80mg daily. The recommended dose of simvastatin ranges from 5-40mg daily.
Potency
Atorvastatin is a more potent medication. It becomes active once it is absorbed, and can continue lowering lipids for 20-30 hours after it is taken. That means it has a half-life of approximately 14 hours. Simvastatin is an older medication and is known as a prodrug. This means that it does not become active until after it has been processed in the liver. It has a half-life of just 1-2 hours.
Is Atorvastatin more effective than Simvastatin?
Both atorvastatin and simvastatin have been proven effective and safe. However, a few recent reviews and studies of multiple statins point to atorvastatin being slightly more effective at lowering bad cholesterol. A direct comparison study between the two medications has not yet been conducted.
Price Differences Between Atorvastatin and Simvastatin
Both atorvastatin and simvastatin are generic medications. This means they are less expensive than the brand drugs Lipitor and Zocor. Simvastatin may be a bit cheaper than atorvastatin.
An RxSaver coupon may help you to reduce the cost of either atorvastatin or simvastatin. Using an RxSaver coupon can make both of these drugs very affordable. Additionally, you can find the pharmacy with the lowest price for atorvastatin or simvastatin by searching for the medication on the RxSaver website or free mobile app.
The RxSaver coupon price for simvastatin starts at $9.00 for 20 mg and 30 tablets
The RxSaver coupon price for atorvastatin starts at $15.00 for 40 mg and 30 tablets
Talk To Your Pharmacist or Health Care Provider
Many people are unaware that they have high cholesterol. So it is very important to have regular cholesterol screenings. If you do have unhealthy levels of cholesterol, your health care provider may recommend medication. To save money, request a generic statin, such as atorvastatin or simvastatin, instead of a brand drug like Lipitor or Zocor.
Never hesitate to ask your pharmacist any questions you may have about your prescribed statin or any other medication. They will be happy to go over your prescription thoroughly with you before you leave with your medication.
*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 3/23/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.
Jennifer Hadley
Jen Hadley is a freelance writer and journalist based in Los Angeles, who writes extensively about the medical, legal, health care, and consumer products industries. Jen is a regular contributor to RxSaver.
Jennifer Liang, PharmD
Chia Feng (Jenn) Liang, PharmD, is a pharmacist who earned her Pharm D. from St. John's University in Queens, NY. She remains in active practice serving as a local pharmacist for Walgreens. She has acted as the first point of care to the community and helped patients understand and manage chronic and acute conditions. She has educated patients on the role and importance of medication and adherence to improve health outcomes.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
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