What’s the Difference Between Lipitor and Crestor?
By Jennifer Hadley••Updated April 21, 2021
Lipitor and Crestor are commonly prescribed medications known as statins. They are both used to treat high cholesterol and high triglycerides. They are also both approved to help prevent heart attack and stroke. Both Lipitor and Crestor are also available as generics. The generic for Lipitor is atorvastatin calcium. The generic for Crestor is rosuvastatin calcium.
Although similar in how they work, there are some differences between Lipitor and Crestor. Differences may include side effects, cost, interactions with other medications, and dosage. Read on to learn more about the difference between Lipitor and Crestor.
Side Effects
Crestor and Lipitor share many of the same possible, but generally mild side effects including:
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Headache
- Heartburn
Common side effects of Lipitor also include fatigue and gas. Common side effects of Crestor that aren’t typically associated with Lipitor include diarrhea, depression, insomnia, joint pain, and nasopharyngitis.
Interactions With Medications
Make sure your health care provider is aware of all medications you are currently taking, as some may interact with Lipitor or Crestor. Both statins may interact with some antifungal medications, antiviral medications, and other medications to lower cholesterol. Pregnant women should not take Lipitor, Crestor, and all other statins.
Lipitor may also interact with certain blood pressure medications, antidepressants, antibiotics, and medications used to treat HIV infections. You should also avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice if you are taking Lipitor.
Crestor may interact with niacin and certain blood thinners.
Dosage
Both Lipitor and Crestor need to be taken daily. However, the dosage of the medications may vary. Crestor is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. Lipitor is available in 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg.
Cost
Lipitor and Crestor may differ in price. However, because both are available as generics, they are typically affordable medications. A prescription drug coupon from RxSaver may help you save even more on generic Lipitor or generic Crestor.
The cost of generic Lipitor, atorvastatin, without insurance, starts at $15.00* for 40 mg and 30 tablets, using an RxSaver coupon.
The cost of generic Crestor, rosuvastatin, without insurance, starts at $16.24* for 10 mg and 30 tablets, using an RxSaver coupon.
Is Lipitor better than Crestor?
Lipitor and Crestor act much the same way, and both are effective medications for lowering high cholesterol and high triglycerides. There is no conclusive evidence that Lipitor is better than Crestor or vice versa.
What are the differences between Lipitor and Crestor?
Both Lipitor and Crestor have shown to be excellent medications for lowering bad cholesterol, increasing production of good cholesterol, and reducing the likelihood of heart attack and stroke. The way they work in the body is very similar. However, there are subtle differences between Lipitor and Crestor. The differences can be seen in the active ingredients, side effects, drug interactions, dosage, side effects, and cost.
Active Ingredient
The main difference between Lipitor and Crestor is the active ingredient in each medication. The active ingredient in Lipitor is atorvastatin. The active ingredient in Crestor is rosuvastatin. Crestor is considered a more potent statin, while Lipitor has been FDA-approved longer than Crestor.
How to Determine Which Medication is Right for You
Your health care provider will determine which cholesterol-lowering medication is right for you. In addition to Crestor and Lipitor, there are also other statins available that may be the best medication for you.
Be sure your health care provider knows about all medications you are taking, and all underlying health conditions, so that they can prescribe the safest, most effective medication for you.
Atorvastatin: 40 mg / 30 tablets
Rosuvastatin: 10 mg / 30 tablets
*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 1/14/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.
Jennifer Hadley
Jen Hadley is a freelance writer and journalist based in Los Angeles, who writes extensively about the medical, legal, health care, and consumer products industries. Jen is a regular contributor to RxSaver.
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS., is a pharmacist who earned her PharmD from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. She maintains an active practice, serving as a Board-Certified Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Specialist at a large metropolitan teaching hospital in New York City. Carina has also published in pharmacy journals and works as a consultant reviewing medical articles for publication.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
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