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Compare Rosuvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

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

Key takeaways

Rosuvastatin (Crestor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are statin medications. They both treat high cholesterol and can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. And they’re both considered high intensity statins, which are typically prescribed to people at the greatest risk of cholesterol-related heart problems. They’re both taken once a day and they’re both available as a lower-cost generic medication. One main difference is that rosuvastatin has a lower risk of drug interactions compared to atorvastatin.

  • Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
  • Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
    Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

  • Summary of Rosuvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    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.

    Summary for Statin
    Prescription only

    Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin that helps lower cholesterol. As a moderate-to-high-intensity statin, it can lower cholesterol by a greater amount than many other statins. It can also help protect your heart health. The dosage is taken by mouth once a day. Atorvastatin tablets are available as brand-name Lipitor and a generic. There's also a liquid form that only comes as brand name Atorvaliq. It's possible to have side effects like muscle pain, joint pain, and stomach upset. Most times, atorvastatin (Lipitor) is taken along with a heart-healthy diet to get the most benefits from treatment.

  • Indications of Rosuvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    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
    Indications for
    •High cholesterol in adults
    •High triglycerides in adults
    •Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in people ages 10 years and older
    •Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in people ages 10 years and older
    •Lowering the risk of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in adults at high risk

  • Pros and Cons of Rosuvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    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
    Pros and Const for Statin
    Pros
    •Can lower cholesterol by more than 50% at higher doses
    •Taken just once a day
    •Approved for children as young as 10 years old with genetic cholesterol problems
    •Also available as a liquid (Atorvaliq) for those who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can't take if you have liver problems
    •Higher risk of side effects for some people, like older adults and people who drink alcohol daily
    •Risk of a serious muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis
    •Not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Rosuvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Muscle pain (8-13%)
    •Joint pain (4-10%)
    •Headache (6-9%)
    •Nausea (2-6%)
    •Constipation (up to 5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Common cold symptoms (8%)
    •Joint pain (7%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    •Pain in arms or legs (6%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI; 6%)
    •Indigestion (5%)

  • Warnings of Rosuvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Liver problems
    •Higher blood sugar levels
    •Possible harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Liver problems
    •Higher blood sugar levels
    •Possible higher risk of brain bleed in certain people taking the 80 mg dose
    •Possible risk of harm when taken while pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Prices with our coupons for Rosuvastatin vs. Atorvastatin

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