Compare Atorvastatin vs Lipitor head-to-head with other drugs for uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.

Crestor (rosuvastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin) are two orally administered statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) used to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. While viewed as similar and comparatively effective, they share notable differences potential users should know.

A 2017 study of 266 people taking proprietary atorvastatin (Lipitor) or generic atorvastatin (atorvastatin calcium) looked at this question. They found no statistically significant difference between the drugs in lowering total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or triglyceride levels.

The statins have different abilities to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, differing pharmacokinetics, differing interactions with drugs and foods, and variable costs.

Atorvastatin works by reducing your "bad" cholesterol (low density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of “good" cholesterol (high density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol).