{"id":53444,"date":"2022-10-07T11:30:38","date_gmt":"2022-10-07T15:30:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=53444"},"modified":"2025-11-17T13:00:57","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T18:00:57","slug":"simvastatin-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/simvastatin-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Simvastatin alternatives: What can I take instead of simvastatin?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Searching for a substitute for <\/span>simvastatin<\/span><\/a> is a common situation. Even though the drug can lower the <\/span>risk of heart attack<\/span>, it has some unsavory characteristics. Well known is the potential for <\/span>statin drugs<\/span><\/a> like <\/span>Zocor<\/span> (the brand name for <\/span>simvastatin<\/span>) to cause muscle <\/span>side effects<\/span> like myalgia (<\/span>muscle pain<\/span>) and myopathy (weakness). Drug interactions are another problem. However, the positive benefits of <\/span>statins<\/span> for <\/span>heart health<\/span> typically outweigh the risk of possible <\/span>side effects<\/span>. Finding an alternative <\/span>statin<\/span> or a <\/span>non-statin<\/span> option for cholesterol management should not be difficult, but the process of changing medications should be done carefully and under the guidance of your <\/span>healthcare<\/span> provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What can I take as an alternative to <\/span>simvastatin<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Just because <\/span>simvastatin<\/span> therapy is failing due to adverse effects, drug interactions, or disappointing effectiveness does not mean that another <\/span>statin<\/span> will not work out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Within the drug class, there is substantial variability in potency and metabolism. The robust evidence from <\/span>clinical trials<\/span> supporting <\/span>the<\/span> use of statins often warrants trying multiple class members before giving up<\/span>,<\/span> according to the <\/span>American Heart Association<\/span><\/a>. If you do move on from <\/span>statin therapy<\/span>, other treatment options include cholesterol absorption blockers, <\/span>fibrates<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>PCSK9 inhibitors<\/span><\/a> as <\/span>non-statin alternatives<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Compare simvastatin alternatives<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Drug name<\/b><\/td>\nPrice without insurance<\/b><\/td>\nSingleCare price<\/b><\/td>\nSavings options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zocor<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>simvastatin<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$997 per 90, 20 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$7 per 90, 20 mg tablets of generic simvastatin at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lipitor<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>atorvastatin<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$692 for 30, 40 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$8 for 30, 40 mg tablets of generic atorvastatin at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Crestor<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>rosuvastatin<\/span><\/a>)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n$361 per\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

30, 10 mg tablets\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n

$8 per\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

30, 10 mg tablets of generic rosuvastatin at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\n

See latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pravastatin<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$310 per<\/span><\/p>\n

90, 40 mg tablets of generic pravastatin<\/span><\/td>\n

$17 per<\/span><\/p>\n

90, 40 mg tablets of generic pravastatin at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\n

See latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lovastatin<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$119 per\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

90, 20 mg tablets of generic lovastatin<\/span><\/td>\n

$15 per 90, 20 mg tablets of generic lovastatin at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Livalo<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>pitavastatin<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$444 per\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

30, 2 mg tablets\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n

$46 per\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

30, 2 mg tablets of generic pitavastatin at CVS<\/span><\/td>\n

See latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lescol XL <\/span><\/a>(<\/span>fluvastatin<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$483 per\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

30, 80 mg tablets\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n

$104 per\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

90, 80 mg tablets of generic fluvastatin at CVS<\/span><\/td>\n

See latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zetia<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>ezetimibe<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$1,525 for 90, 10 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$14 for 90, 10 mg tablets of generic ezetimibe at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Questran<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>cholestyramine<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$449 for 60 packets<\/span><\/td>\n$50 for 60 packets of generic cholestyramine at CVS<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Welchol<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>colesevelam<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$1,092 for 180, 625 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$43 for 180, 625 mg tablets of generic colesevelam at CVS<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lopid<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>gemfibrozil<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$243 for 60, 600 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$9 for 60, 600 mg tablets of generic gemfibrozil at Walmart<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tricor<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>fenofibrate<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$216 for 90, 145 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$17 for 90, 145 mg tablets of generic fenofibrate at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Repatha<\/span><\/a> (evolocumab)<\/span><\/td>\n$793 for 2, 1 mL of 140 mg\/mL syringes<\/span><\/td>\n$462 for 2, 1 mL of 140 mg\/mL syringes of brand-name Repatha at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Praluent<\/span><\/a> (alirocumab)<\/span><\/td>\n$711 for 2, 1 mL of 75 mg\/ml pens<\/span><\/td>\n$512 for 2, 1 mL of 75 mg\/ml pens of brand-name Praluent at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Leqvio<\/span><\/a> (inclisiran)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n$3,511 for 1, 1.5 mL of 284 mg\/1.5 mL prefilled syringe of brand-name Leqvio at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices available at the time of publication in ZIP code 23666 as of November 16, 2025. The listed price, without insurance, refers to the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under \u201cSavings options\u201d to see the latest drug prices.<\/span><\/i><\/small><\/p>\n

Top 5 <\/span>simvastatin<\/span> alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n

The following are some of the most common alternatives to <\/span>simvastatin<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. <\/span>Lipitor<\/span><\/h3>\n

Lipitor<\/span> and its generic form, <\/span>atorvastatin<\/span><\/a>, are another example of <\/span>statins<\/span> that <\/span>outperform <\/span>simvastatin<\/span> in regard to LDL reduction<\/span><\/a>, at the expense of potentially more adverse effects. Drug interactions are still a concern with <\/span>Lipitor<\/span>, but not as much as with simvastatin. Another advantage of <\/span>Lipitor<\/span> and <\/span>Crestor<\/span> is their long half-lives. You can <\/span>take them at any time of day<\/span><\/a>, unlike <\/span>simvastatin<\/span>, which should be taken at bedtime. In some cases, <\/span>Lipitor<\/span> and <\/span>Crestor<\/span> are even dosed every other day. Convenience and cholesterol-reducing power could be an appealing combo.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t

Save up to 80% on Lipitor with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tLipitor 40 mg (30 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$8.33\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$8.33\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Lipitor prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

RELATED: <\/b>13 things you might not know about <\/b>Lipitor<\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

3. <\/span>Pravastatin<\/span><\/h3>\n

On the other hand, sacrificing potency is not always a bad thing when it comes to choosing between <\/span>statin medications<\/span>. <\/span>Pravastatin<\/span><\/a> will not <\/span>lower LDL cholesterol<\/span> as much as <\/span>simvastatin<\/span>, <\/span>Crestor<\/span>, or <\/span>Lipitor<\/span>, but it may help you avoid uncomfortable muscle symptoms. If muscle pain is a side effect of simvastatin, then <\/span>pravastatin<\/span><\/a> may be a good alternative to consider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fans of grapefruit and <\/span>grapefruit juice<\/span> may also benefit from <\/span>pravastatin<\/span>. <\/span>Simvastatin<\/span> interacts with grapefruit, elevating the risk of <\/span>side effects<\/span>. Pravastatin does not.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Pravastatin vs. Lipitor: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

4. <\/span>Zetia<\/span><\/h3>\n

In some cases, <\/span>statin therapy<\/span> is ineffective as monotherapy. The cholesterol absorption inhibitor <\/span>Zetia<\/span><\/a> (ezetimibe) is one of the most commonly prescribed <\/span>statin alternatives. Unlike statins<\/span>, which inhibit the HMG-CoA reductase <\/span>enzyme<\/span> to <\/span>lower LDL cholesterol, Zetia works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol<\/span>. <\/span>Zetia<\/span> and its generic version, <\/span>ezetimibe<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>lower cholesterol<\/span> by blocking the intestinal absorption of cholesterol. By avoiding the <\/span>statin<\/span> mechanism, you may be able to prevent <\/span>statin<\/span> side effects<\/span>. Unfortunately, you may not gain as much benefit either, since cholesterol reduction is commonly less with <\/span>Zetia<\/span> than with <\/span>statins<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Inhibiting cholesterol absorption with a <\/span>bile acid sequestrant<\/span><\/a>, such as Welchol (colesevelam) or Questran (cholestyramine), achieves small LDL reductions in a similar manner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The LDL-lowering achieved with cholesterol absorption blockers can be additive to that of a <\/span>statin<\/span>. In other words, some individuals take both <\/span>Zetia<\/span> and a <\/span>statin<\/span> like <\/span>simvastatin<\/span> to get their cholesterol numbers to goal.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Lower your cholesterol with these 7 steps<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

5. Praluent<\/span><\/h3>\n

PCSK9 inhibitors<\/span>, such as <\/span>Praluent<\/span><\/a> (alirocumab), can be added to <\/span>statins<\/span> to achieve additional benefit in cases of particularly <\/span>high cholesterol<\/span> levels. In other cases, when <\/span>statins<\/span> are ineffective or intolerable, <\/span>PCSK9 inhibitors<\/span> can be used to lower LDL levels on their own. They require an injection and commonly carry a hefty price tag, but their effectiveness may be alluring for those with <\/span>coronary heart disease<\/span> or <\/span>atherosclerosis<\/span> elsewhere in the body. If the price is daunting, try showing your <\/span>SingleCare discount card<\/span><\/a> at your <\/span>local pharmacy<\/span><\/a> to see if the expense is more manageable.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Why you should monitor your cholesterol<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Over-the-counter cholesterol medications<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are no over-the-counter medications that can lower cholesterol. Products marketed as cholesterol reducers make claims that haven\u2019t been proven. However, some dietary supplements\u2014particularly <\/span>berberine<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>niacin<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>red yeast rice<\/span><\/a>\u2014have been shown to have some proven merit for reducing LDL levels. In fact, <\/span>red yeast rice<\/span> has a mechanism similar to that of <\/span>statins<\/span>. Alternatively, <\/span>omega-3 fatty acids<\/span><\/a> can lower <\/span>high triglyceride levels<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The label of being \u201cnatural\u201d may make it seem that these <\/span>supplements<\/span> are harmless, but they are, in fact, manufactured products. Their quality and safety are not regulated. The scope of their <\/span>adverse effects<\/span> or drug interactions may not be fully known due to limited testing. In any case, healthcare professionals do not consider over-the-counter supplements to be an adequate substitute for statins. Consult your <\/span>healthcare<\/span> provider for medical advice on the effectiveness and potential risks associated with over-the-counter or natural alternatives to statins.<\/span><\/p>\n

Natural alternatives to <\/span>simvastatin<\/span><\/h2>\n

Leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of finding the best alternative to <\/span>simvastatin<\/span> might bring you to consider natural alternatives to statins. The impact of a heart-<\/span>healthy diet<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>exercise<\/span><\/a> should not be underestimated. Augmenting these <\/span>lifestyle changes<\/span><\/a> with dietary <\/span>supplements<\/span> is a common practice. Other lifestyle changes that significantly affect cholesterol levels include weight loss, smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol consumption.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to switch to a <\/span>simvastatin<\/span> alternative<\/span><\/h2>\n

Now that you have expanded your knowledge of <\/span>simvastatin<\/span> alternatives, scheduling an appointment with the prescribing <\/span>healthcare<\/span> professional is a good next step toward making an informed decision. The discussion should cover your concerns about <\/span>simvastatin<\/span>, review other options, and reference your list of <\/span>over-the-counter<\/span> and prescription drugs you take to prevent possible drug interactions. The final decision should be one that you both agree will help to improve your cholesterol numbers and overall health for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

Choosing the right path for high cholesterol treatment<\/span><\/h2>\n

If simvastatin is not working at lower cholesterol levels, or if the side effects are intolerable, don\u2019t give up. There are other effective treatment options:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • A different statin may be more effective at lowering cholesterol levels or may not have intolerable side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Switching to an alternative drug class may resolve issues with side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Adding an alternative drug class to statin therapy may reduce LDL and triglyceride levels even more. It may also permit a lower statin dose.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Over-the-counter supplements can help reduce cholesterol, but should not be considered an adequate substitute for statins.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Dietary changes, physical activity, and weight loss are powerful tools in reducing cholesterol levels, but may not be an adequate substitute for statins.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
      \n
    • Always get medical advice from a healthcare provider when considering alternatives or add-ons to statin therapy.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Expert takeaway<\/span><\/h2>\n

      \u201cIn place of simvastatin, I bring up an alternative generic statin that is better at reducing cholesterol, such as rosuvastatin, or one that has less side effects, like pravastatin,\u201d explains Chad Shaffer, MD, member of the SingleCare Medical Board. \u201cWhen all statins are off the table, Repatha is frequently called upon for those with known cardiovascular disease and Zetia for those only needing preventive measures.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Searching for a substitute for simvastatin is a common situation. Even though the drug can lower the risk of heart attack, it has some unsavory characteristics. Well known is the potential for statin drugs like Zocor (the brand name for simvastatin) to cause muscle side effects like myalgia (muscle pain) and myopathy (weakness). Drug interactions […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":53445,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[737,4350],"coauthors":[20732],"class_list":["post-53444","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-heart-health","tag-prescription-savings","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTop simvastatin alternatives and how to switch your Rx | SingleCare<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Crestor, Lipitor, pravastatin, Zetia, and Praluent are some simvastatin alternatives. 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1. <\/span>Crestor<\/span><\/h3>\n

If <\/span>simvastatin<\/span> is not controlling <\/span>cholesterol levels<\/span><\/a> adequately, <\/span>Crestor<\/span><\/a> or its generic version, <\/span>rosuvastatin<\/span><\/a>, is the most potent statin at reducing <\/span>bad cholesterol<\/span> (<\/span>low-density lipoprotein<\/span> or LDL). Triglycerides (fats) are another detrimental substance in the blood. These, too, are <\/span>lowered by <\/span>Crestor<\/span> more than <\/span>simvastatin<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Fibrates,<\/span> such as <\/span>Tricor<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>fenofibrate<\/span><\/a>) and <\/span>Lopid<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>gemfibrozil<\/span><\/a>), have a more profound effect on triglycerides than statins, but they achieve less LDL lowering, a fact that limits their use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Crestor<\/span> also avoids many of the drug interactions that can plague <\/span>simvastatin<\/span>. However, the higher potency of <\/span>Crestor<\/span> could translate to a <\/span>higher risk<\/span> of <\/span>side effects<\/span>. Besides myalgias, the potential <\/span>statin<\/span> side effects<\/span> can include changes in bowel habits (such as <\/span>constipation<\/span>), elevated liver <\/span>enzymes<\/span>, elevated muscle <\/span>enzymes<\/span>, elevated blood glucose (blood sugar), and cognitive impairment (difficulty learning, remembering, or concentrating).<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Crestor<\/b> side effects<\/b> and how to avoid them<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n