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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)

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Atorvastatin

(Lipitor)

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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

Summary for Atorvastatin

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 for Atorvastatin

Pros and Cons for Atorvastatin

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 for Atorvastatin

Warnings for Atorvastatin

  • 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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Rosuvastatin30 tablets / 20mg
$11.36$92.57
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Atorvastatin30 tablets / 40mg
$9.73$15.56
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