Indications 

Crestor is a prescription medication indicated for mitigating the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and coronary revascularization procedures in adult patients without preexisting heart disease, but currently has certain additional risk factors. 

Crestor belongs to the class of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, or “statin,” and is typically prescribed together with a proper diet to: 

• Lower the level of “bad” cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in adults with primary hyperlipidemia 
• Impede the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the walls of blood vessels 
• Treat adults and children 8 years old and above with high blood cholesterol due to heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (an inherited condition that causes high levels of LDL) 
• Treat adults and children 7 years old and above with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (an inherited condition that causes high levels of LDL) along with other cholesterol-lowering treatments or alone if such treatments are unavailable  
• Treat adults with primary dysbetalipoproteinemia (type III hyperlipoproteinemia), a type of high cholesterol  
• Lower the level of triglycerides (fat in the blood) in adults with hypertriglyceridemia 

Rosuvastatin, the active ingredient of Crestor, works in two ways to reduce cholesterol. In addition to inhibiting the enzyme in the liver to make less cholesterol, rosuvastatin also facilitates the liver’s uptake and breakdown of cholesterol already in the blood. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before starting treatment with Crestor and with each refill, thoroughly review its patient information leaflet and medication guide. Consult a healthcare professional for any questions or clarifications. 

Crestor should be taken as a part of a treatment program which may include diet, exercise, and weight control. Adhere closely to the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. 

Typically, Crestor is administered once daily, with or without food. However, dosage adjustments may be necessary to optimize therapeutic outcomes. 

The dosage of Crestor may differ among patients depending on their medical condition, response to therapy, age, race, and concomitant drug use.  

Follow the prescribed dosage regimen for Crestor precisely, without taking more or less than the recommended dose or taking it more frequently than directed by the physician. 

To maximize the therapeutic efficacy of Crestor, it should be taken regularly at the same time each day. 

Continue taking this medication even if you feel well since most individuals with elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels may not exhibit any symptoms of illness. 

Side Effects 

Crestor’s potential adverse reactions are listed below. If any of them persist or worsen, notify your physician or pharmacist. 

Common Side Effects 

• Headache 
• Weakness 
• Muscle aches 
• Nausea 
• Stomach pain 

Serious Side Effects  

• Unexplained muscle pain 
• Muscle tenderness 
• Muscle weakness 
• Confusion 
• Memory problems 
• Upper stomach pain 
• Fatigue 
• Loss of appetite 
• Dark urine 
• Yellowing of skin or eyes 

Get medical help right away if you experience any of the severe symptoms listed above. 

Allergic Reactions 

Severe allergic response to Crestor is uncommon. However, seek immediate medical assistance if you observe any indications of an allergic reaction, such as: 

• Rash 
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Intense dizziness 

The side effects of Crestor listed here are incomplete. If other bothersome side effects not listed above occur, consult a healthcare professional. 

Cautions 

Before taking Crestor, notify your doctor or pharmacist of any known allergies you may have. Inactive components present in this medication may cause allergic reactions or other unfavorable effects. Seek further information from your pharmacist. 

Disclose your medical history to your doctor, particularly if you have had liver or kidney disease.  

Tell your doctor if you are Asian. Patients of Asian ancestry may be more susceptible to the drug’s effects, so they should be prescribed an initial dose lower than usual. 

Some medications may interact with Crestor, such as: 

• Blood thinners (such as warfarin) 
• Daptomycin 
• Gemfibrozil  

Some products may affect the removal of rosuvastatin from the body, which may affect how it works, such as fostamatinib, ledipasvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, among others. 

Some products, such as antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, can make it harder for the body to absorb Crestor. Do not take antacids without a doctor’s approval and allow 2 hours before taking them after Crestor. 

To avoid potential drug interactions, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 

Do not consume red yeast rice products with Crestor, for some of these products may contain lovastatin, another form of statin that may cause an increased risk of severe muscle and liver complications. 

Crestor is not recommended for pregnant women as it may pose a risk to the developing fetus. Inform your healthcare provider if you have plans to conceive or get pregnant while taking this medication. 

Rosuvastatin can be passed into the breast milk and may cause risk to the infant. Consult a doctor before nursing an infant while taking this medication.