Compare Zetia vs. Crestor

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

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Zetia (ezetimibe)

Prescription only

Crestor (rosuvastatin)

Prescription only
Lowers cholesterol.

Zetia (ezetimibe) can improve your cholesterol and can be used as an alternative to statins.

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3.3/ 5 average rating with 128 reviewsforZetia
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
Upsides
  • Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) in people who have trouble doing this through diet and exercise.
  • Can be used with other medicines to improve cholesterol.
  • Available in a combination pill with simvastatin.
  • Available as a generic.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • Doesn't lower triglycerides (fats).
  • Hasn't been shown to lower the risk of heart attacks or heart disease.
  • By itself, it isn't as effective as statins for improving cholesterol.
  • 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.
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Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$9.50
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Lowest price
$9.75
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Reviews
128 reviews so far
42%
saidit'sworth it
34%
saiditworked well
21%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Zetia (ezetimibe)?

Leave a review
751 reviews so far
60%
saidit'sworth it
47%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Crestor (rosuvastatin)?

Leave a review
Side effects
12possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
    4%
  • Common cold
    4%
  • Sore throat
    4%
  • Sinus infection
    3%
  • Joint pain
    3%
  • Pain in arms and legs
    3%
  • Muscle pain
    3%
  • Abnormal liver tests
    3%
  • Fatigue
    2%
  • Flu
    2%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Gallbladder removal
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Crestor (rosuvastatin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Harm to fetus
  • Muscle pain
    • Taking Zetia (ezetimibe) with statins
  • Abnormal liver blood tests
    • Past history of liver disease
    • Taking Zetia (ezetimibe) with statins
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Elevated INR
    • Taking Coumadin (warfarin)
  • Muscle pain
    • Age 65 or older
    • Taking higher doses of Crestor (rosuvastatin)
  • Increased blood sugars
    • Diabetes
  • Liver damage
    • Heavy alcohol use
    • Prior history of chronic liver disease
  • Birth defects
    • Pregnancy
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Zetia (ezetimibe)
Learn more about Crestor (rosuvastatin)