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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Differences between Statins for Control of Cholesterol
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Differences between Statins for Control of Cholesterol
by John__0__0, Jul 08, 1998 12:00AM
I have been taking 10mg Lipitor (atorvastatin) for approximately 6 months.
My HMO has decided that it will no longer cover Lipitor and has - with my
doctor's approval but without communication with me - switched me to 20mg
Zocor (simvastatin). I haven't had any side effects while on Lipitor and
my cholesterol has come down nicely. What is the difference between Lipitor
and Zocor? Are they really equivalent drugs? Does 10mg of Lipitor really
equal 20mg of Zocor, or should I discuss smaller doses of Zocor with my doctor?
Thanks for your advice!
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Dear John:
Lipitor is more potent than Zocor on a per milligram basis. The dose of Lipitor you were taking was not very large. A sufficient dose of Zocor will probably lower your cholesterol adequately. There is no exact way to convert doses when switching between the medicines. What your doctor needs to do is measure a cholesterol panel once you have been on the Zocor for a while and adjust the dose as necessary. Both medications are excellent at lowering cholesterol. Zocor has been around longer and has been studied in more patients.
If you wish to be evaluated here at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at desk F15. Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only. Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your doctor.
