Lipitor and Zocor: Are they equally effective?

I take Lipitor for high cholesterol, but it is so expensive. Is there any reason I can't switch to a generic version of Zocor to save some money? Are Lipitor and Zocor equally effective?

- No name / No state given

Mayo Clinic cardiologist Gerald Gau, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

This is a common and important question. With the high cost of many prescription medications, more people are considering switching to cheaper generic versions of brand-name drugs.

Lipitor and Zocor belong to a class of drugs called statins, which are used to lower blood cholesterol. Zocor (simvastatin) is available as a generic. Lipitor (atorvastatin) is not.

Both Lipitor and Zocor are safe and effective in lowering cholesterol. Lipitor is more potent, with 10 milligrams (mg) of Lipitor equal to 20 mg of Zocor. For most people with high cholesterol, Zocor at a higher dose will be just as effective as Lipitor.

However, if you require 40 mg of Lipitor or greater, Zocor will not be as effective. The maximum dose of Zocor is 80 mg, which is equivalent to a dose of about 40 mg of Lipitor.

Talk to your doctor about whether switching from Lipitor to a generic version of Zocor is appropriate in your specific situation to reduce prescription drug costs. Keep in mind that each of these medications is different, and you may tolerate one but not the other.