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Compare Rosuvastatin vs. Simvastatin

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

  • Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
    Simvastatin (Zocor)
  • Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
    Simvastatin (Zocor)

  • Summary of Rosuvastatin vs. Simvastatin

    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

    Simvastatin (Zocor) is a statin used to lower your cholesterol to help protect your heart and blood vessels from serious, and even life-threatening, medical problems, such as heart attack or stroke. Simvastatin (Zocor) isn't meant to lower cholesterol on its own. Instead, you should take it in addition to eating a healthy diet and having a regular exercise routine. To get the most out of the medication, it's best to take simvastatin (Zocor) nightly before going to sleep.

  • Indications of Rosuvastatin vs. Simvastatin

    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
    •Prevention of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack or stroke) in people at higher-risk for heart problems
    •Lower high "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people

  • Pros and Cons of Rosuvastatin vs. Simvastatin

    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
    •Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL)
    •Can help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke
    •Oral solution (Flolipid) available for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    •Can be used in children as young as 10 years old
    Cons
    •Can't take if you've certain liver problems
    •Risk of side effects are higher in certain people, such as those age 65 years and older or those who drink alcohol daily
    •Simvastatin (Zocor) has the highest risk among the statins to cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problem

  • Common Side Effects of Rosuvastatin vs. Simvastatin

    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
    •Cough, runny nose, and other symptoms of bronchitis (7%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Irregular heart beat (6%)
    •Nausea, stomach pain ,and other symptoms of stomach inflammation (5%)
    •Eczema (dry, itchy skin) (5%)
    •Dizziness (5%)

  • Warnings of Rosuvastatin vs. Simvastatin

    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
    •Worsening liver problems and liver failure
    •High blood sugar
    •Possible harm during in pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Prices with our coupons for Rosuvastatin vs. Simvastatin

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