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Compare Repatha vs. Crestor

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

Key takeaways

Repatha (evolocumab) and Crestor (rosuvastatin) are both medications used to treat high cholesterol and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, they belong to different medication classes. Repatha is a PCSK9 inhibitor, which works by helping your body remove extra cholesterol from your blood, while Crestor is a statin that blocks the enzyme in your liver that makes cholesterol. Repatha is given as an injection every two weeks or once a month, whereas Crestor is taken as an oral tablet once a day. Repatha is only available as a brand-name medication, while Crestor is available in a lower-cost generic form. Common side effects of Repatha include cold- or flu-like symptoms and injection site reactions, while Crestor can cause muscle or joint pain and headaches. Crestor has many drug interactions and is not recommended during pregnancy.

  • Repatha (evolocumab)
    Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
  • Repatha (evolocumab)
    Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

  • Summary of Repatha vs. Crestor

    Summary for PCSK9 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Repatha (evolocumab) is a PCSK9 inhibitor that's given as an injection under the skin. It treats high cholesterol in adults and certain children. It works best with a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise. Repatha (evolocumab) also helps lower the risk of events like heart-related death, heart attack, and stroke in adults at risk. The medication is injected either once every 2 weeks or once a month. Side effects can include common cold symptoms and discomfort at the injection site.

    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 Repatha vs. Crestor

    Indications for
    •High cholesterol in adults
    •Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in people ages 10 years and older
    •Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in people ages 10 years and older
    •Lowering the risk of heart-related death, heart attack, stroke, hospitalization for chest pain, and the need for heart procedures in adults at risk
    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 Repatha vs. Crestor

    Pros and Const for PCSK9 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken once every 2 weeks or once a month
    •Can use for inherited cholesterol conditions in kids 10 years and up
    •Has different injection devices to choose from (prefilled syringe, autoinjector, or on-body infusor)
    Cons
    •Must give as an injection under the skin
    •Might cause reactions at the injection site like redness and pain
    •Caution use in people with a latex allergy for syringes and autoinjectors (some have parts made with natural rubber)
    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 Repatha vs. Crestor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Common cold symptoms (4%)
    •Back pain (2%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (2%)
    •Joint pain (2%)
    •Nausea (2%)
    •Tiredness (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Muscle pain (8-13%)
    •Joint pain (4-10%)
    •Headache (6-9%)
    •Nausea (2-6%)
    •Constipation (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Repatha vs. Crestor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    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 Repatha vs. Crestor

    Learn more about Repatha
    Learn more about Rosuvastatin

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