Compare Crestor vs. Niaspan

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

Prescription only

Prescription only

Lowers cholesterol.

Crestor (rosuvastatin) is one of the most effective statins to improve cholesterol. It's also available as a generic.

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3.7/ 5 average rating with 751 reviewsforCrestor

Lowers cholesterol.

Niaspan (Niacin) lowers triglycerides, but isn't as good as statins for improving cholesterol levels.

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3.2/ 5 average rating with 380 reviewsforNiaspan

Upsides

It's a good first choice medicine for lowering cholesterol levels when diet and exercise aren't enough.
Slows down the buildup of fatty deposits in your blood vessels, otherwise known as a hardening of the arteries.
In clinical studies, Crestor (rosuvastatin) has the strongest effect on lowering "bad" cholesterol compared to other statins.
Can lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, and death, particularly if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or a history of smoking.
Available as a generic drug.

Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) in people who have trouble doing this through diet and exercise.
Good for lowering triglycerides (fats).

Downsides

You're more likely to have side effects if you're a female, are 65 years or older, drink alcohol every day, or take more than one medicine for cholesterol.
People with liver disease, kidney disease, or diabetes are also more likely to have side effects from Crestor (rosuvastatin).
Crestor (rosuvastatin) isn't safe to use if you're pregnant since it can hurt the fetus.

By itself, Niaspan (Niacin) isn't as effective as statins for improving cholesterol levels.
It can cause flushing and stomach pain or discomfort.
You need to take it before bedtime with a low-fat snack.
If you miss doses often, you may need to re-start taking the medicine more regularly at a lower dose.

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