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Compare Rosuvastatin vs. Simvastatin

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

Key takeaways

Rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor) are both statins used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. They work by blocking an enzyme in your liver that makes cholesterol. However, they have some important differences. Rosuvastatin is a moderate-to-high intensity statin, while simvastatin is a low-to-moderate intensity statin. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic and typically taken once daily, but simvastatin should be taken at night. Rosuvastatin is available as a tablet and as Ezallor Sprinkle, while simvastatin is available as a tablet and an oral solution called Flolipid. Common side effects of both medications include muscle or joint pain and nausea. Simvastatin should not be taken with grapefruit juice. Both medications have many drug interactions and are not during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always be sure your prescriber and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications.

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

  • 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 is a low-to-moderate intensity statin that helps lower cholesterol. This helps lower the risk of serious problems like heart attack or stroke. It's approved for adults and certain children 10 years and older. Simvastatin tablets are available as brand-name Zocor and a generic. The liquid suspension form only comes as brand-name FloLipid. The simvastatin dose is taken by mouth once each night. It works best when you also eat heart-healthy foods and stay active. Possible side effects are stomach pain, muscle pain, and headache.

  • 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
    •High cholesterol in adults
    •High triglycerides in adults
    •Homozyglous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in adults
    •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. 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
    •Can lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) by up to 49% at certain doses
    •Taken once a night
    •Has an oral solution version (FloLipid) that's an option for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    •Approved for children as young as 10 years old with HeFH
    Cons
    •Has the highest risk among the statins to cause muscle pain
    •Has some drug interactions, like with certain heart medications and grapefruit
    •Can't take if you have certain liver problems
    •Not recommended to take while pregnant or breastfeeding

  • 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
    •Bronchitis (7%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Irregular heartbeat (6%)
    •Inflamed stomach lining (nausea, vomiting, low appetite; 5%)
    •Eczema (dry, itchy skin; 5%)
    •Vertigo (dizzy, feeling like the room is spinning; 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
    •Liver problems
    •Higher blood sugar levels
    •Risk of harm when taken while pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Prices with our coupons for Rosuvastatin vs. Simvastatin

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