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Pravastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

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

Key takeaways

Pravastatin (Pravachol) and rosuvastatin (Crestor) are both statins used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart problems like heart attacks and strokes. They work by blocking a protein in the liver that makes cholesterol. However, they have some important differences. Pravastatin is typically taken once a day, preferably at night, while rosuvastatin can be taken at any time of the day. The dosing for pravastatin ranges from 10 mg to 80 mg, whereas rosuvastatin ranges from 5 mg to 40 mg. Pravastatin only comes as a generic tablet. Rosuvastatin comes in brand and generic oral tablets, and also a branded sprinkle capsule for those who have trouble swallowing pills. Both medications can cause side effects like muscle pain and liver problems and increase blood sugar levels. Both medications are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Pravastatin

 

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Rosuvastatin

(Crestor)

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Summary for Pravastatin

Prescription only

Pravastatin is a statin that's used to lower cholesterol in adults and certain children. By lowering your cholesterol levels, the medication helps protect your heart and blood vessels from serious and even life-threatening medical problems, such as heart attack or stroke. Pravastatin should be taken with a heart-healthy diet and a regular exercise routine for it to work as best as possible. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day. Pravastatin side effects include muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and headache.

Indications for Pravastatin

Pros and Cons for Pravastatin

Pros

  • Taken by mouth once per day
  • Has fewer interactions with other medications than other statins
  • Might be safer and better tolerated than other statins
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Recommended to take in the evening to work better
  • Doesn't replace having a healthy diet and regular exercise routine to lower cholesterol levels
  • Not a high-intensity statin
  • Not safe to use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Pravastatin

Warnings for Pravastatin

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

Summary for Rosuvastatin

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 Rosuvastatin

Pros and Cons for Rosuvastatin

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 Rosuvastatin

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

Warnings for Rosuvastatin

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

Prices with our coupons for Pravastatin vs. Rosuvastatin

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Pravastatin90 tablets / 40mg
$23.61$81.03
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Rosuvastatin30 tablets / 20mg
$11.36$92.57
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