Crestor

Generic name: Rosuvastatin calcium

What is Crestor?

Crestor is used to lower cholesterol levels when diet and exercise alone have failed to work. Crestor can help lower the total cholesterol count as well as harmful levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. It can also lower triglycerides, a type of fat that is carried through the bloodstream and can end up being stored as body fat.

What is the most important information I should know about Crestor?

Crestor is prescribed only if diet, exercise, and weight loss fail to lower your cholesterol levels. Crestor is meant to supplement, not replace, these lifestyle changes. To get the full benefit of Crestor, you need to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor.

Who should not take Crestor?

Do not take Crestor if you have liver disease, are pregnant or could become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, or if you are allergic to Crestor or any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Crestor?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Crestor. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have drink large amounts of alcohol, if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or thyroid problems.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual starting dose is 10 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may start you at 5 mg per day if your LDL cholesterol level doesn't require a high dose or if you are at risk for muscle damage. If your LDL cholesterol level is >190, the doctor may start you at 20 mg once a day. If this dose fails to lower your cholesterol, the doctor may increase your dose to 40 mg per day.

Kidney impairment: If you have severe kidney problems, the recommended starting dose is 5 mg once a day, up to a maximum of 10 mg daily.

If you have a rare genetic disorder known as homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, which causes unusually high cholesterol levels, the doctor will probably start you at 20 mg once a day. If needed, the dose may be raised to a maximum of 40 mg a day.

If you're taking cyclosporine, the doctor will limit your dose to 5 mg once a day. If you're taking the cholesterol-lowering drug gemfibrozil, your dose must be limited to 10 mg once a day.

How should I take Crestor?

Take Crestor once a day with or without food. Swallow each tablet whole with a glass of water. If you need to take an antacid that contains aluminum and magnesium hydroxide, such as Maalox or Mylanta, be sure to take it at least 2 hours after you take Crestor.

What should I avoid while taking Crestor?

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking Crestor.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Crestor?

If you take Crestor with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Crestor with any of the following: antacids, cholesterol-lowering drugs such as clofibrate or fenofibrate, cimetidine, cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, ketoconazole, niacin, oral contraceptives, Spironolactone, warfarin

What are the possible side effects of Crestor?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, nausea, sore throat

Serious side effects may include: signs of muscle tissue damage include unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever or you generally do not feel well. If you experience any of these serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Crestor may be associated with abnormal lab test results, including tests for liver and thyroid function and blood sugar levels. If you're having any lab work done, let your doctor know you're taking Crestor.

Can I receive Crestor if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Crestor should never be used during pregnancy. If you do become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take Crestor while you are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Crestor?

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Crestor?

Store at room temperature and protect from moisture.