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Compare 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)
    Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
  • Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
    Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

  • Summary of Lovaza vs. Crestor

    Summary for Antilipemic
    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.

    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 Lovaza vs. Crestor

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

    Pros and Const for Antilipemic
    Pros
    •Works well to lower triglyceride levels
    •Can be taken once a day
    •Ingredients and purity regulated by FDA, unlike OTC fish oils
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    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
    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 Lovaza vs. Crestor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Burping (4%)
    •Changes in taste (4%)
    •Upset stomach (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 Lovaza vs. Crestor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fish allergy
    •Heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter)
    •Risk of liver irritation
    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 Lovaza vs. Crestor

    Learn more about Omega-3 acids
    Learn more about Rosuvastatin

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