Compare Niaspan vs. Vytorin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
Used for
- High cholesterol
- High triglycerides (fats)
- Prevention of repeat heart attacks in people with high cholesterol
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$24.92
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$54.38
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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 review99 reviews so far
53%
saidit'sworth it
36%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Vytorin (Ezetimibe / Simvastatin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
6possible side effects
- Flushing68%
- Itching8%
- Diarrhea7%
- Nausea5%
- Rash5%
- Cough increased3%
8possible side effects
- Headache6%
- Any side effect5%
- Increased ALT4%
- Myalgia4%
- Upper respiratory tract infection4%
- Diarrhea3%
- Influenza2%
- Pain in extremity2%
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
- 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