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Compare Lovastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

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

Key takeaways

Lovastatin (Mevacor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor, Ezallor Sprinkle) are both statins used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. They work by blocking a protein in the liver that makes cholesterol. However, there are several differences between these medications. Lovastatin is a low-to-moderate intensity statin, typically taken once or twice a day with food, while rosuvastatin is a moderate-to-high intensity statin taken once daily, with or without food. Rosuvastatin is available in both generic and brand forms, including a brand sprinkle capsule for those who have trouble swallowing pills, whereas lovastatin is only available as a generic tablet. Common lovastatin side effects include stomach upset and headache, while rosuvastatin may cause muscle pain, joint pain, and headache. Both medications can cause serious muscle problems like rhabdomyolysis, but rosuvastatin has a higher reported incidence of muscle pain. Additionally, rosuvastatin may interact with antacids, requiring a two-hour gap between doses, while lovastatin should not be taken with grapefruit juice. Both medications are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • Lovastatin
    Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
  • Lovastatin
    Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

  • Summary of Lovastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

    Summary for Statin
    Prescription only

    Lovastatin is a low-to-moderate intensity statin that's taken once or twice per day. It's used to lower cholesterol in certain adults and children ages 10 years and older to help prevent heart attack or stroke. This medication lowers your "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (a type of fat) levels. It can also raise your "good" cholesterol (HDL). Follow a heart-healthy diet and get regular exercise while you're taking lovastatin so the medication can work as best as possible. Lovastatin side effects include stomach upset and headache.

    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 Lovastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

    Indications for
    •Lower "bad" cholesterol levels
    •Prevention of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack) in people at risk for 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 Lovastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

    Pros and Const for Statin
    Pros
    •Helps lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats) and improve "good" cholesterol (HDL) levels
    •Lowers the risk of problems caused by high cholesterol, like heart attack or stroke, in people with certain conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Doesn't replace having a balanced diet and regular exercise routine to lower cholesterol levels
    •Has more dosing limits for certain drug interactions than some other statins
    •Not safe to use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding
    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 Lovastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Gas (4-5%)
    •Constipation (2-4%)
    •Nausea (2-3%)
    •Stomach pain (2-3%)
    •Muscle pain (2-3%)
    •Headache (2-3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Muscle pain (8-13%)
    •Joint pain (4-10%)
    •Headache (6-9%)
    •Nausea (2-6%)
    •Constipation (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Lovastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Liver problems
    •Higher blood sugar levels
    •Possible 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

  • Prices with our coupons for Lovastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

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