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Compare Lovastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

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

  • 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

    Learn more about Lovastatin
    Learn more about Rosuvastatin

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