Why is this medication prescribed?

Crestor is a brand name for the medication rosuvastatin, which belongs to a class of drugs known as statins. Statins are primarily prescribed to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, particularly LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels helps reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

• High Cholesterol: Crestor is commonly prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in individuals with high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia).
• Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases in people who are at high risk due to factors such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, or a history of cardiovascular events.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s how Crestor should typically be used:

• Dosage: The typical starting dose of Crestor is usually 10 mg once daily, but the dosage may vary depending on the individual’s cholesterol levels and overall health.
• Administration: Crestor tablets should be taken orally, with or without food. It is important to take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Follow-up: Your doctor may adjust your dose after checking your cholesterol levels with blood tests. It’s essential to attend all follow-up appointments and to inform your doctor of any changes in your health or medications.
• Lifestyle Changes: Alongside taking Crestor, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, and smoking cessation to further improve cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Long-term Use: Crestor is often taken long-term, as directed by your doctor. It is important not to stop taking Crestor without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well, as high cholesterol often has no symptoms but can still cause serious health problems.
• Side Effects: Like all medications, Crestor can cause side effects. Common side effects include headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, and nausea. Serious but rare side effects include liver problems and muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis). If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking Crestor, notify your doctor immediately.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding the use of Crestor, as they can provide guidance tailored to your specific health needs and conditions.

Other uses for this medicine

• Prevention of Cardiovascular Events: Crestor may be prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events in individuals at high risk, even if their cholesterol levels are not extremely elevated.
• Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia: In some cases, Crestor may be used to lower triglyceride levels, especially when combined with high cholesterol.
• Treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia: This is a genetic condition where individuals have high cholesterol levels from a young age. Crestor may be used as part of the treatment regimen in these cases.

What special precautions should I follow?

When taking Crestor, it’s important to follow these special precautions:

• Liver Function: Before starting Crestor and periodically during treatment, your doctor may check your liver function with blood tests. Crestor can rarely cause liver problems, so inform your doctor of any symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent abdominal pain.
• Muscle Symptoms: Crestor, like other statins, can occasionally cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Report any unexplained muscle symptoms to your doctor promptly, as it could indicate a serious condition like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications can interact with Crestor, increasing the risk of side effects or reducing its effectiveness.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Crestor should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss alternative treatments with your doctor. Crestor should also not be used while breastfeeding because it is unknown if it passes into breast milk.
• Alcohol: Limit alcohol intake while taking Crestor, as excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver problems and may exacerbate certain side effects.
• Routine Monitoring: Your doctor will likely perform periodic blood tests to monitor your cholesterol levels and assess any potential side effects of Crestor.
• Lifestyle Changes: Alongside taking Crestor, adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as a balanced diet low in saturated fats, regular exercise, weight management, and smoking cessation can further improve cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking Crestor, and do not hesitate to discuss any concerns or questions you have about its use or potential side effects.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

While taking Crestor, it’s generally recommended to follow a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Here are some dietary guidelines:

• Fats: Limit saturated fats found in fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and processed foods. Instead, choose lean proteins such as poultry, fish, beans, and legumes.
• Cholesterol: Limit dietary cholesterol intake by avoiding foods high in cholesterol, such as egg yolks and organ meats.
• Fiber: Increase your intake of soluble fiber from sources like oats, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, as it can help lower cholesterol levels.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Aim to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet for their beneficial nutrients and fiber content.
• Whole Grains: Choose whole grains over refined grains for their higher fiber content. Examples include whole wheat bread, brown rice, and quinoa.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support overall health.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss a dose of Crestor, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

If you frequently forget doses, consider setting a reminder or alarm to help you remember. Consistency in taking Crestor as prescribed is important for achieving and maintaining cholesterol-lowering effects and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Crestor (rosuvastatin) is generally well-tolerated by most people, but like any medication, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects of Crestor include:

• Muscle Pain and Weakness: This is one of the more common side effects, though serious muscle problems such as rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) are rare. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or feeling unwell.
• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches are a common side effect of Crestor.
• Abdominal Pain: Some people may experience stomach discomfort or abdominal pain while taking Crestor.
• Nausea: Feeling nauseous or experiencing an upset stomach is another possible side effect.
• Fatigue: Some individuals may feel tired or fatigued while taking Crestor.
• Dizziness: Crestor can occasionally cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Liver Enzyme Abnormalities: In some cases, Crestor can affect liver function, causing elevated liver enzymes. Your doctor may monitor your liver function with blood tests.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some people may experience allergic reactions to Crestor, which can include rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Diabetes Risk: Some statins, including Crestor, may slightly increase the risk of developing diabetes or worsening blood sugar control in people who already have diabetes.

It’s important to note that serious side effects with Crestor, such as severe muscle problems or liver damage, are rare but can occur. If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms while taking Crestor, contact your doctor immediately.

Always inform your healthcare provider about any side effects you experience while taking Crestor, as they can provide guidance on managing them or adjusting your treatment regimen if necessary.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Crestor:

• Storage: Store Crestor (rosuvastatin) tablets at room temperature between 68-77°F (20-25°C). Keep the medication in its original container and away from moisture and heat. Avoid storing it in the bathroom.
• Disposal: When you no longer need Crestor or it has expired, dispose of it properly to prevent accidental ingestion by children, pets, or others. Follow any specific disposal instructions provided by your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Do not flush medications down the toilet unless instructed to do so.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an overdose of Crestor (rosuvastatin), seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the US). Overdose symptoms may include severe dizziness, fainting, confusion, or extreme weakness.

What other information should I know?

• Routine Monitoring: Regularly monitor your cholesterol levels as directed by your doctor while taking Crestor. This helps ensure the medication is working effectively and allows your doctor to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment.
• Lifestyle Changes: Alongside taking Crestor, maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight management, and smoking cessation if applicable. These lifestyle changes can further improve cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health.
• Follow-up Care: Attend all scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider. They will monitor your response to Crestor and assess for any potential side effects or complications.
• Medication Interactions: Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications may interact with Crestor, affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Crestor should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking Crestor, notify your doctor immediately.
• Emergency Medical Alert: Carry a medical alert card or wear a medical alert bracelet if advised by your doctor, especially if you have a history of severe allergic reactions or other medical conditions.
• Storage of Information: Keep a record of your medication regimen, including Crestor, along with any allergies and emergency contacts. This can be useful in case of medical emergencies.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding the use of Crestor and contact them if you have any questions or concerns about the medication or its usage.