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Compare Fluvastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Fluvastatin (Lescol XL) and rosuvastatin (Crestor) are both statins used to treat high cholesterol and lower the risk of heart-related problems like heart attacks and strokes. They work by blocking a protein in the liver that makes cholesterol. However, they differ in several ways. Fluvastatin is a low-to-moderate intensity statin, while rosuvastatin is a moderate-to-high intensity statin, meaning rosuvastatin can lower cholesterol levels more effectively. Fluvastatin is available in immediate-release capsules and extended-release tablets, while rosuvastatin comes in oral tablets. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of fluvastatin include headache and indigestion, while rosuvastatin may cause muscle pain and joint pain. Both medications can cause serious side effects like liver problems and rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle condition. You should avoid alcohol with both medications to reduce the risk of liver issues. Additionally, fluvastatin should not be taken with cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) or fluconazole (Diflucan) due to interactions, while rosuvastatin requires caution with cyclosporine and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Neither medication is recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Fluvastatin
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Fluvastatin
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Summary of Fluvastatin vs. Rosuvastatin
Summary for Statin
Prescription only
Fluvastatin is a low-to-moderate intensity statin that's usually added onto a heart-healthy diet for people with high cholesterol. It lowers "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raises "good" cholesterol in the body. It also helps lower the risk of complications like heart attack and stroke in adults with heart disease. Generic fluvastatin immediate-release (IR) capsules are taken once or twice a day. There are also extended-release (ER) tablets that are taken once a day. The ER tablets are available under the brand name Lescol XL and as generic. Side effects include headache and indigestion.
Summary for Statin
Prescription only
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is a statin. It's used to treat high cholesterol levels in adults and children. It can also help lower the risk heart attack or stroke in people who are at risk for heart-related problems. Rosuvastatin (Crestor) comes as both generic and brand name tablets that are taken by mouth, typically once daily. Brand name Ezallor Sprinkle (rosuvastatin) is an option for people who've trouble swallowing pills. Common side effects of rosuvastatin (Crestor) include muscle pain, joint pain, and headache.
Indications of Fluvastatin vs. Rosuvastatin
Indications for

•Treatment of high cholesterol in adults

•Treatment of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH, a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol) in people age 10 years and older

•Lower the risk of complications (e.g., heart attack) in adults with heart disease

Indications for

•Lower the risk of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in people at risk for heart disease

•Lower "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people
Pros and Cons of Fluvastatin vs. Rosuvastatin
Pros and Const for Statin
Pros

•Lowers the risk of problems caused by high cholesterol, like heart attack or stroke, in people with heart disease

•Less likely to cause muscle problems than other statins

Cons

•Low-to-moderate intensity, so it isn't as strong as some other statins

•Can't crush, chew, or open the pills if you have trouble swallowing them whole

Pros and Const for Statin
Pros

•First-choice cholesterol medication that lowers your risk of heart attack and stroke

•Can be taken by children as young as 7 years old

•Sprinkle capsule (Ezallor Sprinkle) can be opened and contents sprinkled over soft food

•Available as a lower cost, generic form

Cons

•Not safe to take for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding

•Might lead to liver problems

•Can cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problem

•Might raise blood sugar levels, especially in people who have pre-diabetes
Common Side Effects of Fluvastatin vs. Rosuvastatin
Common Side Effects for
Immediate-release capsule:

•Headache (9%)

•Indigestion (8%)

•Flu-like symptoms (5%)

•Muscle pain (5%)

•Diarrhea (5%)

•Stomach pain (5%)

Extended-release tablet:

•Flu-like symptoms (7%)

•Headache (5%)

•Muscle pain (4%)

•Stomach pain (4%)

•Indigestion (4%)

•Sinus infection (4%)

Common Side Effects for

•Muscle pain (8-13%)

•Joint pain (4-10%)

•Headache (6-9%)

•Nausea (2-6%)

•Constipation (up to 5%)
Warnings of Fluvastatin vs. Rosuvastatin
Common Side Effects for

•Severe muscle pain and damage

•Liver problems

•Higher blood sugar levels

•Risk of harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for

•Severe muscle pain and damage

•Liver problems

•Higher blood sugar levels

•Possible harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding
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Compare Fluvastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

Key takeaways

Summary of Fluvastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

Indications of Fluvastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

Pros and Cons of Fluvastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

Common Side Effects of Fluvastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

Warnings of Fluvastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

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