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Side Effects of Crestor Vs. Lipitor

Crestor and Lipitor are both FDA-approved oral medications used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the bloodstream. Lowering cholesterol may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Both medications are effective in treating high cholesterol, though one may work better for some patients than the other. As with all prescription medications, both Crestor and Lipitor have potential side effects. While many of these side effects are similar, there are some differences that patients should be aware of before taking either medication. (See Reference 3.)

  1. Aches and Pain

    • Some of the most common side effects of both Crestor and Lipitor are general aches and pains. Many patients report headaches and stomachaches. Pain in the lower back or sides is also common, as are sore eyes and cheekbones. While less common, some individuals experience joint pain, or an overall body ache. (See References 1 and 2.)

    Gastrointestinal

    • Crestor and Lipitor can both cause gastrointestinal side effects ranging from mild to moderate. Many individuals find that these particular side effects are manageable or subside as their bodies get used to the medication. Gastrointestinal problems are not extremely common side effects of either medication, but gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn and indigestion are all possible Crestor and Lipitor side effects. (See References 1 and 2.)

    Cold-Like Symptoms

    • Both Crestor and Lipitor patients commonly report cold-like symptoms. Hoarseness, runny nose and plugged sinuses are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients of either drug may also experience a general sense of fatigue and decreased appetite. A dry persistent cough, sore throat and swollen neck glands are other cold-like side effects of both medications, though these particular effects are more common in Crestor users according to the Mayo Clinic. (See References 1 and 2.)

    Skin

    • Both Crestor and Lipitor patients have reported several different skin conditions. Crestor skin-related conditions are generally mild, and they are not overly common side effects. Crestor patients have experienced rashes, jaundice, heated skin and itching. Lipitor patients' skin-related side effects are also rare, but can be more severe than Crestor's. Lipitor patients have reported mild jaundice, rashes and itching, but more serious skin conditions such as red skin lesions, peeling skin, blisters and severe hive-like swelling of the face and extremities. (See References 1 and 2.)

    Mental

    • Mental side effects are generally rare in both Crestor and Lipitor patients, but some conditions can lead to dysfunction and other serious mental health problems that a mental health professional should evaluate. Patients of either drug may experience depression or nervousness. Some Crestor patients have reported feelings or irritability and extreme agitation, while Lipitor patients have experienced feelings of paranoia and recurring nightmares in some cases. (See References 1 and 2.)

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