Crestor (Rosuvastatin)

What is Crestor?

Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) is a synthetic lipid lowering agent. It is also known as ‘statin’. It is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. The enzyme acts as a catalyst in the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate which is an early step in biosynthesis of cholesterol.

What is Crestor used for?

Crestor is used to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the body. It prevents heart diseases, hardening of arteries, and other conditions that can lead to stroke, heart attack or cardio-vascular disease.

How does Crestor work?

Crestor works by reducing the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (known as bad cholesterol) and triglycerides in the blood. The drug also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol which is considered good for the body.

How to use Crestor

Crestor should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once daily, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood tested on a regular basis.

Crestor warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to rosuvastatin.  Prior to taking Crestor, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, underactive thyroid, muscular disorder, electrolyte imbalance (such as low or high potassium levels in blood), epilepsy, severe illness or infection, or if you have had a recent surgery.

While using Crestor, avoid eating foods that contain high cholesterol or fat content. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can increase triglyceride levels and may also damage your liver.

Do not use antacids unless advised by doctor. Pregnant women must not use this drug as it can harm an unborn child. Tell your doctor in advance if you plan to become pregnant. The drug may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Therefore, lactating mothers must consult their doctors before taking the medication.

What do I do if I have missed a Crestor dose?

If you have missed your Crestor dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Crestor overdose?

If you have taken a Crestor overdose you should seek medical attention.

Crestor interactions

Before taking Crestor, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf, Sandimmune),  ketoconazole (Nizoral), cimetidine (Tagamet), lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra), spironolactone (Aldactazide, Aldactone), niacin (Nicolar, Nicobid, Nicotinex), warfarin (Coumadin), cholesterol-lowering medications such as fenofibrate (Tricor), or gemfibrozil (Lopid).

Also, do not start taking any new medicine while using Crestor.

Crestor side effects

Crestor side effects include hives; breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions.

Muscle pain, weakness, fever or flu symptoms, decreased frequency of  urination, stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, chest pain, dark colored urine, clay colored stool, swelling in hands or feet, and jaundice are also side effects from Crestor. If you get any of these side effects after using Crestor, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Mild nausea, weakness, memory loss, constipation, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea, burning or pain while urinating, dizziness, and headache are some less serious side effects of Crestor.