Compare Niaspan vs. Vytorin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Niaspan (Niacin)

Prescription only

Vytorin (Ezetimibe / Simvastatin)

Prescription only
Lowers cholesterol.

Niaspan (Niacin) lowers triglycerides, but isn't as good as statins for improving cholesterol levels.

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3.2/ 5 average rating with 380 reviewsforNiaspan
Lowers cholesterol.

Vytorin is expensive and is no more effective than simvastatin by itself.

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3.3/ 5 average rating with 99 reviewsforVytorin
Upsides
  • Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) in people who have trouble doing this through diet and exercise.
  • Good for lowering triglycerides (fats).
  • A 2-in-1 cholesterol-lowering combination medicine.
  • Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) in people who have trouble doing this through diet and exercise.
Downsides
  • By itself, Niaspan (Niacin) isn't as effective as statins for improving cholesterol levels.
  • It can cause flushing and stomach pain or discomfort.
  • You need to take it before bedtime with a low-fat snack.
  • If you miss doses often, you may need to re-start taking the medicine more regularly at a lower dose.
  • In clinical studies, simvastatin/ezetimibe hasn't controlled cholesterol better than simvastatin alone.
  • There's no generic available, so it can be expensive.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$21.44
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Lowest price
$45.00
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Reviews
380 reviews so far
43%
saidit'sworth it
31%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Niaspan (Niacin)?

Leave a review
99 reviews so far
53%
saidit'sworth it
36%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Vytorin (Ezetimibe / Simvastatin)?

Leave a review
Side effects
6possible side effects
  • Flushing
    68%
  • Itching
    8%
  • Diarrhea
    7%
  • Nausea
    5%
  • Rash
    5%
  • Cough increased
    3%
See more detailed side effects
8possible side effects
  • Headache
    6%
  • Any side effect
    5%
  • Increased ALT
    4%
  • Myalgia
    4%
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
    4%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
  • Influenza
    2%
  • Pain in extremity
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Muscle pain
    • Taking Niaspan (Niacin) with statins
  • Liver damage
    • Heavy alcohol use
    • Past history of liver disease
  • High blood sugar
    • Diabetes
  • Low platelets
    • Taking Niaspan (Niacin) with anticoagulants
  • Gout
    • Gout
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Muscle pain
    • Asian patients taking high-dose niacin
  • Liver damage
    • Past history of liver disease
    • heavy alcohol use
  • High blood sugar
    • Diabetes
  • Increased risk for colds and flu
  • Skin reactions
  • Harm to fetus
    • Pregnancy
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Niaspan (Niacin)
Learn more about Vytorin (Ezetimibe / Simvastatin)