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Compare Vytorin vs. Crestor

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

Key takeaways

Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin) and rosuvastatin (Crestor) are both medications used to lower cholesterol, but they work in different ways and have some key differences. Vytorin is a combination of two medications: ezetimibe, which blocks cholesterol absorption, and simvastatin, a statin that reduces cholesterol production in the liver. Rosuvastatin, on the other hand, is a single statin that also lowers cholesterol by blocking its production in the liver. Vytorin is typically taken in the evening, while rosuvastatin can be taken at any time of the day. Rosuvastatin and Vytorin are available in both generic and brand-name forms. Both medications can cause muscle pain and liver problems, but rosuvastatin is considered a moderate-to-high-intensity statin, while simvastatin in Vytorin is a low-to-medium intensity statin. Neither medication is safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • Vytorin (ezetimibe / simvastatin)
    Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
  • Vytorin (ezetimibe / simvastatin)
    Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

  • Summary of Vytorin vs. Crestor

    Summary for Cholesterol absorption inhibitor / Statin
    Prescription only

    Vytorin (ezetimibe / simvastatin) is a combination of two different medications that work together to lower cholesterol in different ways. It lowers "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while raising "good" cholesterol levels. In doing so, Vytorin (ezetimibe / simvastatin) helps prevent severe and life-threatening medical problems, like heart attack or stroke. But, you should take it in addition to eating a healthy diet and having a regular exercise routine to get the most benefit from the medication.

    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 Vytorin vs. Crestor

    Indications for
    •High cholesterol
    •Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH)
    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 Vytorin vs. Crestor

    Pros and Const for Cholesterol absorption inhibitor / Statin
    Pros
    •More convenient to take a single pill containing two medications that work in different ways
    •Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL)
    •Taken once daily
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •More difficult to customize the dose since it's a fixed combination of two medications
    •Can cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problem that's a medical emergency
    •Works better to if taken at night
    •Not safe for people who are pregnant or nursing
    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 Vytorin vs. Crestor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (6%)
    •Muscle pain (4%)
    •Runny nose, cough, and other symptoms of the common cold (4%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Muscle pain (8-13%)
    •Joint pain (4-10%)
    •Headache (6-9%)
    •Nausea (2-6%)
    •Constipation (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Vytorin vs. Crestor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Risk of liver problems
    •Risk of high blood sugar
    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 Vytorin vs. Crestor

    Learn more about Vytorin
    Learn more about Rosuvastatin

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