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Compare Zetia vs. Crestor

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

Key takeaways

Ezetimibe (Zetia) and rosuvastatin (Crestor) are both used to treat high cholesterol, but they work in different ways. Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor that lowers the amount of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) absorbed from your gut. Rosuvastatin, on the other hand, is a statin that blocks an enzyme in your liver to reduce cholesterol production. While both medications can be taken once daily, rosuvastatin is available in a wider range of doses (5 mg to 40 mg) compared to ezetimibe's standard 10 mg dose. Rosuvastatin is also known to lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes, whereas ezetimibe has not been shown to have this benefit. Additionally, rosuvastatin can raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) and lower triglycerides, which ezetimibe does not do. Both medications have generic forms available, making them more affordable. However, rosuvastatin has a higher risk of causing muscle pain and liver problems, especially when taken with other medications, while ezetimibe generally has fewer side effects.

  • Zetia (ezetimibe)
    Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
  • Zetia (ezetimibe)
    Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

  • Summary of Zetia vs. Crestor

    Summary for Cholesterol absorption inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Zetia (ezetimibe) is an oral medication used to treat people with high cholesterol by lowering total cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels in the blood. It generally has few side effects and is commonly taken in addition to or as an alternative to statin medications. And whether you take it alone or with other medications, it's important to continue exercising and eating a healthy diet to get the most treatment benefit.

    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 Zetia vs. Crestor

    Indications for
    •Treatment of high cholesterol in certain people
    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 Zetia vs. Crestor

    Pros and Const for Cholesterol absorption inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works pretty well to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels, about 13-20%
    •Only needs to be taken once per day
    •Can be taken with or without food at any time of the day
    •Doesn't have too many side effects
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Hasn't been shown to lower the risk of heart attacks, stroke, or heart disease
    •Not the best choice for people with moderate to severe liver problems
    •Can interact with many medications
    •Doesn't work as well as statins to lower cholesterol if taken alone
    •Unknown if safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding
    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 Zetia vs. Crestor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (4%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Joint pain (3%)
    •Inflamed sinuses (3%)
    •Pain in arms or legs (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 Zetia vs. Crestor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe muscle pain and damage
    •Liver problems when taken with a statin
    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 Zetia vs. Crestor

    Learn more about Zetia
    Learn more about Rosuvastatin

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