Key takeaways
Pitavastatin (Livalo) and rosuvastatin (Crestor) are both statins used to treat high cholesterol. They work by blocking a protein in the liver that makes cholesterol, which helps lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL). Both medications are taken orally once a day and are available in generic forms. However, they differ in several ways. Pitavastatin is a moderate-intensity statin, typically dosed between 2 mg to 4 mg, and is approved for use in children as young as 8 years old with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). Rosuvastatin, on the other hand, is a moderate-to-high intensity statin with doses ranging from 5 mg to 40 mg for adults and is approved for children as young as 7 years old. Rosuvastatin also has an additional FDA-approved indication to lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people at risk for heart-related problems. Common side effects of pitavastatin include muscle pain, back pain, and constipation, while rosuvastatin can cause muscle pain, joint pain, and headache. Both medications can cause serious side effects like rhabdomyolysis and liver problems and may raise blood sugar levels. Both medications have a number of interactions, including with alcohol, and are not recommended during pregnancy.
