Indications
Crestor (active ingredient: rosuvastatin) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Hyperlipidemia: Crestor is used to reduce elevated total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, ApoB, and triglycerides, and to increase HDL cholesterol in adults with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia.
- Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: It is indicated to reduce the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and arterial revascularization procedures in patients without clinically evident coronary heart disease but with multiple risk factors.
- Hypertriglyceridemia: Crestor is used as an adjunct to diet for the treatment of adult patients with elevated serum triglycerides.
- Primary Dysbetalipoproteinemia: It is indicated for the treatment of primary dysbetalipoproteinemia (Type III hyperlipoproteinemia).
- Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Crestor is used to reduce LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and ApoB in adults and pediatric patients aged 7 years and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
Crestor belongs to a class of drugs known as statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors), which work by blocking an enzyme necessary for cholesterol production in the liver, thereby lowering the levels of cholesterol and other lipids in the blood.
Uses and Dosage
Crestor (Rosuvastatin) comes in the form of a tablet that should be taken by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you are taking the tablet form of this medication, swallow the tablets whole and do not crush or chew them. If you have trouble swallowing the tablets, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
The typical starting dose for rosuvastatin (Crestor) is 10 mg to 20 mg taken by mouth once daily. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 5 mg to 40 mg once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending on several factors, such as your LDL level, and whether you are having side effects.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Rosuvastatin:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Sleep problems or insomnia
Serious Side Effects of Rosuvastatin:
- Change in urine output
- High blood sugar levels
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
- Persistent vomiting
- Rhabdomyolysis or autoimmune myopathy
- Severe abdominal pain
- Yellowish eyes or skin
Form and Strength
Crestor (Rosuvastatin) is available in the following forms and strengths:
Crestor: Tablet
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
Rosuvastatin: Tablet
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
Caution
- Before using rosuvastatin, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies to it or any other substances. Additionally, this medication may contain inactive ingredients which can lead to allergic reactions or other complications. To learn more, speak to your pharmacist.
- Before taking rosuvastatin, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, or alcohol use. These conditions may increase the risk of side effects or make this medication less effective.
- Avoid intaking alcoholic beverages, as daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems, especially when combined with rosuvastatin. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more information about alcohol consumption and potential risks.
- During pregnancy, Crestor (Rosuvastatin) should be used only when clearly needed, as it may harm an unborn baby. This is to ensure that any potential risks posed by the drug are minimized and that you and your baby receive the best possible care.
- Rosuvastatin can cause a rare, but serious and life-threatening muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis. Your risk is higher if you take other medications that can raise the levels of rosuvastatin (Crestor) in your body. For this reason, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the recommended dosage of Rosuvastatin?
The typical starting dose is 10 mg to 20 mg taken by mouth once daily. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 5 mg to 40 mg once daily.
How long does rosuvastatin take to reduce cholesterol?
Rosuvastatin are seen within three to five hours of oral administration. However, it may take one to two weeks of regular dosing before improvements in your cholesterol level are seen, and up to four weeks before the maximal cholesterol-lowering effects of rosuvastatin are apparent.
Is there a risk of increased cholesterol levels when taking Rosuvastatin?
Yes, there is a risk of increased cholesterol levels when taking Rosuvastatin (Crestor). This risk is increased when the drug is combined with other medications that can raise the levels of Rosuvastatin (Crestor) in your body.
Are there any drug interactions with Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
Yes, Rosuvastatin (Crestor) can interact with certain drugs such as antifungal medications, HIV medications, and certain antibiotics. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medications.
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