Skip to Content
Print Share

Comparing Rosuvastatin vs Simvastatin

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Rosuvastatin Remove Rosuvastatin from your drug comparison Simvastatin Remove Simvastatin from your drug comparison
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Rosuvastatin Remove Rosuvastatin from your drug comparison Simvastatin Remove Simvastatin from your drug comparison

Rosuvastatin is effective at lowering cholesterol; however, its use may be limited by side effects such as muscle pain. People of Asian descent may be more sensitive to the effects of rosuvastatin.... View more

Simvastatin is effective at lowering cholesterol; however, it may cause muscle pain particularly at higher dosages. Prescribed for High Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, High Cholesterol -... View more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 187 reviews

View all 114 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: myalgia.

See the full rosuvastatin side effects document.

See the full simvastatin side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 100 each
Dosage 5 mg
Per Unit* $0.94 - $1.74
Cost* $93.56 - $174.44

View all rosuvastatin prices

Quantity 50 each
Dosage 40 mg
Per Unit* $0.82
Cost* $41.00

View all simvastatin prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names
Crestor, Ezallor FloLipid, Zocor

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

19 hours

N/A

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
X
Category X Not for use in pregnancy

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
X
Category X Not for use in pregnancy

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (2)

FDA Alerts (8)

Drug Interactions

A total of 188 drugs are known to interact with rosuvastatin:

  • 23 major drug interactions (73 brand and generic names)
  • 155 moderate drug interactions (472 brand and generic names)
  • 10 minor drug interactions (86 brand and generic names)

A total of 269 drugs are known to interact with simvastatin:

  • 54 major drug interactions (187 brand and generic names)
  • 205 moderate drug interactions (540 brand and generic names)
  • 10 minor drug interactions (50 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Rosuvastatin may cause liver problems and using it with substantial quantities of alcohol may... View more
  • Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels of simvastatin. This can increase the... View more
  • Simvastatin may cause liver problems and using it with substantial quantities of alcohol may... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

August 12, 2003

December 23, 1991

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer