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Niaspan vs. Crestor

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

Key takeaways

Niacin ER (niacin) and Rosuvastatin (Crestor) are both used to manage high cholesterol, but they work differently and belong to different medication classes. Niacin ER is an antilipemic and a form of vitamin B3, which helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while raising good cholesterol (HDL). Rosuvastatin, on the other hand, is a statin that blocks an enzyme in the liver to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Niacin ER is taken once daily at bedtime, while Rosuvastatin can be taken any time of the day. Common side effects of Niacin ER include flushing and stomach upset, whereas Rosuvastatin may cause muscle pain, joint pain, and headache. Both medications can cause serious side effects like liver damage, but Rosuvastatin is generally considered a first-choice medication for lowering cholesterol.

niacin ER

 

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Rosuvastatin

(Crestor)

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Summary for Niaspan

Prescription or over-the-counter

Niacin ER (also known as vitamin B3) is a prescription antilipemic medication for adults. It's used to lower high cholesterol and triglycerides (a common form of fat) levels, but it's not a first-choice option for this condition. Niacin ER is taken by mouth once daily, while niacin (Niacor) is typically taken three times daily. Some side effects of niacin ER include flushing and stomach upset. Please note that niacin is also available over-the-counter to treat vitamin B3 deficiency.

Indications for Niaspan

  • High cholesterol and high triglycerides
  • Lower risk of repeat heart attack in people with a history of heart attack and high cholesterol
  • Slow plaque buildup in the arteries of people with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and high cholesterol (as an add-on medication)
  • Severely high triglycerides in people who are at risk of pancreatitis (as an add-on medication)

Pros and Cons for Niaspan

Pros

  • Can lower “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and raise “good” (HDL) cholesterol in people who have trouble doing so with diet and exercise alone
  • Can also lower triglycerides
  • An option for people who didn’t have success or had side effects with statins
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Cons

  • Doesn’t work as well as statin medications in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Can cause flushing, a bothersome side effect
  • Need to take immediate-release form multiple times a day
  • Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Niaspan

Extended-release tablets:

  • Flushing (up to 69%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 14%)
  • Nausea (up to 11%)

Warnings for Niaspan

  • Muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney and heart damage (rhabdomyolysis)
  • Liver damage

Summary for Crestor

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 for Crestor

Pros and Cons for Crestor

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 for Crestor

  • Muscle pain (8-13%)
  • Joint pain (4-10%)
  • Headache (6-9%)
  • Nausea (2-6%)
  • Constipation (up to 5%)

Warnings for Crestor

  • Severe muscle pain and damage
  • Liver problems
  • Higher blood sugar levels
  • Possible harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Prices with our coupons for Niaspan vs. Crestor

Price Card Drug Icon
Niacin ER90 tablets / 500mg
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Price Card Drug Icon
Rosuvastatin30 tablets / 20mg
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