Lipitor vs Crestor
A side-by-side look at two cardiovascular medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Lipitor | US Crestor | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | atorvastatin | rosuvastatin |
| Drug class | Statin | Statin |
| Treats | High cholesterol, cardiovascular prevention | High cholesterol, cardiovascular prevention |
| Category | Cardiovascular | Cardiovascular |
| Manufacturer | Pfizer | AstraZeneca |
| Year approved | 1996 | 2003 |
| FDA warning | No boxed warning | No boxed warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $60M | $45M |
| Common side effects | Muscle pain or weakness, Liver problems, Increased blood sugar, Memory problems | Muscle pain, Headache, Liver problems, Increased blood sugar |
Frequently asked questions
Is Lipitor or Crestor better?
Neither is universally "better." Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin) are both used for cardiovascular, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Lipitor and Crestor?
Lipitor is a Statin made by Pfizer, while Crestor is a Statin made by AstraZeneca. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Lipitor has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.