Brilinta vs Lipitor
A side-by-side look at two cardiovascular medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Brilinta | US Lipitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | ticagrelor | atorvastatin |
| Drug class | P2Y12 Platelet Inhibitor (Antiplatelet) | Statin |
| Treats | Acute coronary syndrome, heart attack prevention | High cholesterol, cardiovascular prevention |
| Category | Cardiovascular | Cardiovascular |
| Manufacturer | AstraZeneca | Pfizer |
| Year approved | 2011 | 1996 |
| FDA warning | Black box warning | No boxed warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $120M | $60M |
| Common side effects | Bleeding, Shortness of breath, Bruising, Headache | Muscle pain or weakness, Liver problems, Increased blood sugar, Memory problems |
Frequently asked questions
Is Brilinta or Lipitor better?
Neither is universally "better." Brilinta (ticagrelor) and Lipitor (atorvastatin) are both used for cardiovascular, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Brilinta and Lipitor?
Brilinta is a P2Y12 Platelet Inhibitor (Antiplatelet) made by AstraZeneca, while Lipitor is a Statin made by Pfizer. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Brilinta has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.