Hey Zip-lipitor question

[hiramtraveler]

Hi Zip and others-seems like Blue Shield is dropping Lipitor from its formulary-they are covering Zocor and a few others instead. Any thoughts on Zocor compared to Lipitor? Is it worth paying the extra cash for Lipitor, or is Zocor just as good (side effects, potency, etc)?
Thanks

[zip2play]

Hiram,

Zocor is a fine drug (partner takes it...it's all the VA gives) but look to taking about TWICE the amount of simvastatin as atorvastatin. Zocor is going generic relatively soon so probably several insurance companies will make the move soon. Amazingly, though, Zocor is even MORE expensive than Lipitor at the current time?????

If you can arrange it and you have a high deductible, ask to get the 80 mg. zocor and cleave them into quarters.

[hiramtraveler]

Originally Posted by zip2play

Hiram,

Zocor is a fine drug (partner takes it...it's all the VA gives) but look to taking about TWICE the amount of simvastatin as atorvastatin. Zocor is going generic relatively soon so probably several insurance companies will make the move soon. Amazingly, though, Zocor is even MORE expensive than Lipitor at the current time?????

If you can arrange it and you have a high deductible, ask to get the 80 mg. zocor and cleave them into quarters.

Thanks Zip, any sense that one would expect any side effects off of Zocor if you hadn't had any with Lipitor?

[zip2play]

I think the incidence of side-effects with simvastatin are similar, if not less than with atorvastatin.
I'm sure you'll be equally happy with it...you MIGHT not get results quite as good. I beat my partner's numbers every time...but that's anecdotal evidence of the worst kind!