See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, both Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin) are statin drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease [1]. While both medications have similar mechanisms of action, there are differences in their long-term benefits for heart health.

Lipitor, manufactured by Pfizer, has been extensively studied and has been on the market since 1996 [2]. It has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and the need for bypass surgery or angioplasty in patients with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease [3].

Crestor, manufactured by AstraZeneca, was approved by the FDA in 2003 [4]. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and the need for revascularization in patients with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease [5].

A meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2016 compared the efficacy of Lipitor and Crestor in reducing cardiovascular events [6]. The study found that both drugs were similarly effective in reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. However, Crestor was found to be more effective in reducing LDL cholesterol levels than Lipitor [6].

In terms of long-term benefits for heart health, both Lipitor and Crestor have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease. While Crestor has been shown to be more effective in reducing LDL cholesterol levels, both drugs have similar long-term benefits for heart health.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lipitor vs Crestor. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor-vs-crestor/>
2. FDA. (2016). Lipitor. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/lipitor-atorvastatin-calcium>
3. Baigent, C., Blackwell, L., Emberson, J., Holland, L. E., Holland, W. W., Reith, C., . . . Sever, P. (2005). Efficacy and safety of cholesterol-lowering treatment: prospective meta-analysis of data from 90,056 participants in 14 randomised trials of statins. Lancet, 366(9488), 1267-1278.
4. FDA. (2003). Crestor. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/crestor-rosuvastatin-calcium>
5. Cannon, C. P., Braunwald, E., McCabe, C. H., White, J. A., Theroux, P., Darius, H., . . . Braunwald, E. (2004). Intensive versus moderate lipid lowering with statins after acute coronary syndromes. New England Journal of Medicine, 350(15), 1495-1504.
6. Sathasivam, S., Preiss, D., Ho, J. E., Waters, D., Averna, M., McGuire, D. K., . . . Kastelein, J. J. (2016). Comparative Effectiveness of Rosuvastatin Versus Atorvastatin on Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 68(16), 1791-1802.