Repatha vs Lipitor
A side-by-side look at two cardiovascular medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Repatha | US Lipitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | evolocumab | atorvastatin |
| Drug class | PCSK9 Inhibitor (Biologic) | Statin |
| Treats | High cholesterol, cardiovascular disease | High cholesterol, cardiovascular prevention |
| Category | Cardiovascular | Cardiovascular |
| Manufacturer | Amgen | Pfizer |
| Year approved | 2015 | 1996 |
| FDA warning | No boxed warning | No boxed warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $120M | $60M |
| Common side effects | Injection site reactions, Allergic reactions, Back pain, Fatigue | Muscle pain or weakness, Liver problems, Increased blood sugar, Memory problems |
Frequently asked questions
Is Repatha or Lipitor better?
Neither is universally "better." Repatha (evolocumab) 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 Repatha and Lipitor?
Repatha is a PCSK9 Inhibitor (Biologic) made by Amgen, 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?
Repatha has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.