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Lovaza vs. Crestor

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

Key takeaways

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) and rosuvastatin (Crestor) are both used to manage cholesterol levels, but they work differently and belong to different medication classes. Lovaza is an antilipemic that contains omega-3 fatty acids and is used to lower high triglycerides in adults. It is taken once or twice daily with food and can cause side effects like burping and changes in taste. On the other hand, Crestor is a statin that lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL). It is typically taken once daily and can cause muscle pain, joint pain, and headaches. Crestor is available in both generic and brand-name forms, while Lovaza is available as a lower-cost generic. Crestor is also approved for use in children as young as 7 years old, whereas Lovaza is only approved for adults. Additionally, Crestor has more serious potential side effects, such as liver problems and a rare muscle condition called rhabdomyolysis.

Omega-3 acids

(Lovaza)

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Rosuvastatin

(Crestor)

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Summary for Lovaza

Prescription only

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) is made up of two different omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This medication is used to lower triglycerides (TG) levels in adults. It works best when you're also eating a low-cholesterol diet and engaging in regular exercise. Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) is taken by mouth once or twice per day with food. Some side effects include burping, upset stomach, and changes in your sense of taste.

Indications for Lovaza

  • Add-on to diet for the treatment of high triglycerides (TG) in adults with TG levels greater than 500 mg/dL

Pros and Cons for Lovaza

Pros

Cons

  • Approved for adults only
  • Might not be appropriate for people with fish or shellfish allergies
  • Can cause burping and changes in taste as side effects
  • Capsule might be hard to swallow for some people

Common Side Effects for Lovaza

  • Burping (4%)
  • Changes in taste (4%)
  • Upset stomach (3%)

Warnings for Lovaza

  • Fish allergy
  • Heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter)
  • Risk of liver irritation

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 Lovaza vs. Crestor

Price Card Drug Icon
Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters120 capsules / 1g
$33.40$71.70
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Rosuvastatin30 tablets / 10mg
$10.00$104.31
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