See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin) are both statin medications used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. While they have similar therapeutic effects, their side effect profiles do differ in some ways.

One key difference is that Lipitor is more likely to cause muscle-related side effects, such as myalgia (muscle pain) and myopathy (muscle damage), compared to Crestor [1]. This is because atorvastatin, the active ingredient in Lipitor, is more extensively metabolized in the body, which can lead to higher concentrations of the drug in muscle tissue.

On the other hand, Crestor has been associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to Lipitor [2]. This may be due to the fact that rosuvastatin, the active ingredient in Crestor, is more selective in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production, which could potentially affect glucose metabolism.

It is important to note that both Lipitor and Crestor have a relatively low risk of serious side effects, and the benefits of these medications in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease generally outweigh the risks. However, individual patients may respond differently to these drugs, and it is important for healthcare providers to carefully consider a patient's medical history and other factors when prescribing these medications.

In summary, while both Lipitor and Crestor are effective in lowering cholesterol levels, they have different side effect profiles. Lipitor may be more likely to cause muscle-related side effects, while Crestor may be associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Sources:
[1] <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3976902/>
[2] <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/crestor>