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.
