Crestor (Rosuvastatin) is a prescription drug that belongs to the drug class called statins or HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. It is used with a good diet to reduce blood levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, to increase good cholesterol (HDL), and to treat dysbetalipoproteinemia.
It is also used in adults to slow the progression of atherosclerosis, reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack and prevent heart disease in people with a high risk of coronary heart disease. Crestor is also effective for treating hereditary high cholesterol inherited from one or both parents.
Dosage
The dosage for this drug is usually 5 to 40 mg once daily; your doctor or pharmacist will give you a prescription based on your condition, age and response to treatment. It can be taken with or without food; if you are taking the capsule, swallow it whole; do not chew or crush it.
Side Effects of Crestor
The common side effects of Crestor include:
- Weakness.
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Stomach pain.
- Mild allergic reaction.
- Dizziness.
- Muscle ache, weakness, or tenderness.
Crestor can also cause some very severe side effects, including:
- Confusion.
- Memory problems.
- Liver problems – jaundice, dark urine, swelling of the lower legs or abdomen.
- Loss of appetite.
- Rhabdomyosis.
- Severe myopathy.
- Increased blood sugar level.
Precautions
Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are 65 years and above if you are of Asian descent, and if you have a medical history of kidney problems, diabetes, liver problems, thyroid disorders, and alcohol addiction.
Do not take Crestor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because Rosuvastatin, an active ingredient in Crestor, can harm an unborn child or cause congenital disabilities. Make sure you do not get pregnant when using this medication or talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant. The drug can also pass into breast milk and cause harm to a nursing baby, so do not use it when breastfeeding.
Crestor may cause muscle tissue breakdown, often leading to kidney problems. In addition, people of Asian descent may absorb the drug faster than other people, which causes muscle weakness as well.
