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Home > Drug Category > Cholesterol Medications > Crestor and Equivalent

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) Information

Crestor, which contains the active ingredient rosuvastatin, is a highly potent medication in the "statin" class (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). It is used to treat high cholesterol and triglycerides and to slow the progression of atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries). By lowering "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raising "good" cholesterol (HDL), it significantly reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. The medication is taken by mouth, typically once daily at any time of day, with or without food. It is important to take it at the same time each day and to continue the healthy diet and exercise program recommended by your doctor.

The mechanism of action involves blocking a specific liver enzyme responsible for cholesterol production. By inhibiting this enzyme, Crestor reduces the amount of cholesterol the body makes and encourages the liver to clear more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. It is considered particularly effective because it has a high affinity for the enzyme and a long half-life, providing 24-hour protection.

Crestor Side Effects

Crestor is generally well-tolerated, but common side effects may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Commonly reported effects include headache, nausea, muscle aches, stomach pain, constipation, and a general feeling of weakness or fatigue.

More serious side effects can occur and require immediate medical attention. Stop taking the medication and seek help if you experience:
• High blood sugar: Increased thirst, frequent urination, or blurred vision.
• Kidney issues: A significant change in the amount or colour of urine, or swelling in the ankles and feet.
• Liver problems: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), upper stomach pain, dark urine, or loss of appetite.
• Severe allergic reactions: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, hives, or significant difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Severe muscle injury (rhabdomyolysis): Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or dark urine.

Crestor Precautions

Do not use Crestor if you have a known allergy to rosuvastatin or any of the inactive ingredients in the medication. Before starting treatment, inform your doctor of your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney disease, thyroid problems, or frequently consume large amounts of alcohol. Do not use Crestor if you have active liver disease. Additionally, patients of Asian descent may process the drug differently and often require a lower starting dose to reduce the risk of side effects.

Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements (such as St. John's wort). Crestor has significant interactions with many drugs, especially with diuretics (water pills), blood thinners (like warfarin), antacids, cyclosporine, and certain HIV/Hepatitis C protease inhibitors. Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium should be taken at least 2 hours after your Crestor dose to prevent interference with absorption.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Crestor must not be used during pregnancy as it can cause serious congenital disabilities. If you become pregnant, stop the medication immediately and contact your doctor. You should also avoid breastfeeding while taking Crestor, as the drug can pass into breast milk and potentially harm the infant.

Take Crestor exactly as your doctor tells you. Swallow the tablets whole. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if your next dose is less than 12 hours away. Store the tablets at room temperature in a dry place, protected from moisture and light, and keep them safely out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Crestor?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Crestor.