Compare Vytorin vs. pravastatin

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

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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
Lowers cholesterol.

Pravachol (pravastatin) can improve cholesterol, but it's not as strong as other statin medicines. It does cause fewer side effects and is safer for your kidneys and liver.

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3.5/ 5 average rating with 426 reviewsforpravastatin
Upsides
  • 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.
  • Compared to other statins, Pravachol (pravastatin) has fewer interactions with medicines.
  • Pravachol (pravastatin) is less likely to cause muscle and kidney damage than other statin medicines.
  • If you have liver problems, Pravachol (pravastatin) is the safest statin to use.
  • It's available as a generic.
Downsides
  • In clinical studies, simvastatin/ezetimibe hasn't controlled cholesterol better than simvastatin alone.
  • There's no generic available, so it can be expensive.
  • Pravachol (pravastatin) isn't as strong as other statins in lowering your cholesterol.
  • You'll still need to eat a low fat diet and exercise regularly to get the full benefit of Pravachol (pravastatin).
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$56.31
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Lowest price
$176.42
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Reviews
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
426 reviews so far
54%
saidit'sworth it
44%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Pravachol (pravastatin)?

Leave a review
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
20possible side effects
  • Muscle, joint or ligament/tendon pain    
    10%
  • Nausea, vomiting    
    7%
  • Diarrhea    
    7%
  • Headache    
    6%
  • Upper respiratory infection    
    6%
  • Chest pain    
    5%
  • Rash
    5%
  • Dizziness
    4%
  • Stuffy nose
    4%
  • Muscle damage
    4%
  • Flatulence    
    3%
  • Indigestion, heartburn    
    3%
  • Fatigue    
    3%
  • Cough
    3%
  • Increased liver enzymes
    3%
  • Abdominal swelling
    2%
  • Influenza
    2%
  • Muscle pain
    2%
  • Sore throat
    2%
  • Bile duct disease
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • 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
  • Muscle damage
    • Kidney disease
    • An underactive thyroid
    • Over age 65
    • Female gender
    • Taking other medicines to lower your cholesterol
  • Liver damage
    • Heavy alcohol use
    • History of chronic liver disease
  • Harm to fetus
    • Pregnancy
    • Breast feeding
  • Endocrine function
    • Spironolactone use
    • Cimetidine use
    • Ketoconazole use
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Vytorin (Ezetimibe / Simvastatin)
Learn more about Pravachol (pravastatin)