Rosuvastatin

Crestor

Crestor (rosuvastatin) is a prescription medication approved by the FDA to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is part of a class of drugs called statins, which inhibits an enzyme in the liver responsible for cholesterol production. Crestor is indicated for the treatment of high triglycerides, high cholesterol, and certain inherited cholesterol disorders. It comes in the form of an oral tablet you swallow and is available in 4 strengths ranging from 5 to 40 mg. The dosage is tailored based on the individual’s medical condition and response to treatment. You may notice some mild side effects like weakness, muscle pain, dizziness, and many more that may go away once you’re adapted to the medication. Patients are advised to follow an exercise regimen & healthy diet alongside Crestor for optimal results.

Product Overview

Crestor (rosuvastatin) is a widely prescribed medication for managing cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular diseases. It belongs to the statin class of drugs, which are known for their ability to block a specific enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol. This action helps lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing “good” HDL cholesterol. The medication is approved for use in adults and children aged 10 years and older for various conditions, including high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and inherited cholesterol disorders like heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). 

Crestor is also prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and arterial revascularization procedures in individuals without clinically evident heart disease but with multiple risk factors. Crestor is available in oral tablet form with strengths ranging from 5 to 40 mg. The typical starting dosage for adults is 10 mg to 20 mg once daily, with adjustments made based on the patient’s response and cholesterol goals. The recommended maximum dose is 40 mg daily. For children with HeFH, the recommended dosage starts at 5 to 10 mg once daily.

It’s important for patients to adhere to their prescribed dosage and follow a healthy lifestyle, incorporating regular exercise & a balanced diet, to achieve the best results. Crestor’s effectiveness can be seen within 2 to 4 weeks of starting the medication, but it may take up to 4 weeks for the full benefits to be realized. People should be aware of potential side effects, such as muscle pain, weakness, abdominal pain, and nausea. Severe side effects like liver damage and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) are rare but require immediate medical attention. Regular monitoring of muscle enzymes & liver function is recommended during treatment with Crestor.

Uses of Crestor

Crestor is a prescription medication that the FDA approves for several uses related to managing cholesterol levels:

• It helps manage lipid levels for those with high cholesterol and mixed hyperlipidemia.
• It’s used to lower cholesterol levels in people with an inherited condition known as heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).
• It also lowers cholesterol levels in people with another inherited condition called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH).
• Crestor is prescribed to treat high triglyceride levels.
• It’s used to treat dysbetalipoproteinemia, also known as type 3 hyperlipoproteinemia.
• The medication helps lower cholesterol levels and slow down the worsening of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of cholesterol, fats, & other substances in and on the artery walls.
• Crestor can also help prevent cardiovascular disease in specific individuals at risk of coronary heart disease.

How to Use Crestor?

Dosage

Crestor comes in the form of an oral tablet and has 4 strengths: 

• Crestor 5 mg tablet
• Crestor 10 mg tablet
• Crestor 20 mg tablet
• Crestor 40 mg tablet

Recommended Dosage for Different Patients

Dosage for High Cholesterol

• Typical Starting Dosage (in Adults): 10 mg to 20 mg once a day.
• After 2 to 4 Weeks of Treatment: Two to four weeks after starting your treatment, your doctor will schedule a blood test called a lipid panel. This test checks how effectively the medication is managing your cholesterol and fat levels. If the results show that your lipid levels are not within the desired range, your doctor might adjust your dosage to achieve your cholesterol goals better.
• Maximum Dose: 40 mg (This dose is for individuals who have already tried the 20-mg dosage but did not see a sufficient reduction in their LDL cholesterol levels. Your doctor will provide more information about the target range for your cholesterol and other lipid levels.)

Dosage for Reducing Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

• Typical Starting Dosage (in Adults): 10 mg to 20 mg once a day.
• After 2 to 4 Weeks (While on Treatment): Your healthcare provider will schedule a blood test known as a lipid panel. This test checks the medication’s effectiveness by measuring the fats in your blood. If these levels aren’t meeting your target goals, your doctor might decide to increase your dose to achieve better results.
• Maximum Dose: 40 mg (This dose is for individuals who have already tried the 20-mg dosage but did not see a sufficient reduction in their LDL cholesterol levels. Your doctor will provide more information about the target range for your cholesterol and other lipid levels.)

Dosage for Children with Inherited Kind of High Cholesterol

• For Children with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)
  • The recommended dosage for children who are 8 to 9 years old is 5 mg to 10 mg once daily.
  • The recommended dosage for children who are 10 to 17 years old is 5 mg to 20 mg once daily.
• For Children with Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH)
  • The recommended dosage for children who are 7 years or older is 20 mg once daily.

Dosage Adjustments

Your primary caregiver might begin you on a lower dose of Crestor or adjust your dose if you have any of the following:

• Kidney problems
• Asian ancestry
• Aged 65 years or older
• Are taking certain medications, such as:
  • Sandimmune (cyclosporine)
  • Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir)
  • Lopid (gemfibrozil)
  • Uloric (febuxostat)
  • Nubeqa (darolutamide)

[Note: Remember these recommendations may vary depending on person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]

How to Take It?

Before Starting: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist each time you refill your prescription. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist or doctor.

• Taking the Medication: Take rosuvastatin orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once a day.
• For Capsule Form: If you’re taking capsules, swallow them whole without crushing or chewing. If you have difficulty swallowing, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the contents with a small amount of soft food, like pudding or applesauce, and consume immediately without chewing. Prepare the mixture only when you’re ready to take it and do not store it for later use.
• Dosage: Your dosage will rely on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, race, and any other medications you’re taking. Inform your healthcare giver & pharmacist about all products you use, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as herbal products. If you’re of Asian descent, you may need to begin with a lower dose due to increased sensitivity to the medication’s effects.
• Antacids: If you’re taking antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, take them at least 2 hours after taking rosuvastatin to avoid interference with absorption.
• Consistency: For maximum benefits, take rosuvastatin regularly at the same time each day. Continue taking it even if you feel well, as high cholesterol and triglycerides often don’t cause noticeable symptoms.
• Diet and Exercise: Follow your doctor’s advice regarding diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks to experience the full benefits of rosuvastatin.

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]

How Does Crestor Work?

Crestor, also known as rosuvastatin, is a medication prescribed to lower cholesterol levels. It works in two main ways: by blocking a specific enzyme in the liver, which leads to reduced cholesterol production, and by enhancing the liver’s ability to remove and break down cholesterol that’s already in the blood. When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a healthy diet, Crestor can effectively lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and slow the buildup of plaque in arteries. Some individuals may start to see improvements in their cholesterol levels within 2 to 4 weeks after beginning Crestor. However, responses to the medication can vary from person to person.

Important Safety Information

Side Effects

Mild side effects of Crestor may include:

• Abdomen pain
• Weakness
• Muscle pain
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Mild allergic reaction
• Nausea

Serious side effects of Crestor and its symptoms may include:

• Severe allergic reaction.
• Liver damage and symptoms may include:
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling in your abdomen or lower legs
  • Elevated levels of liver enzymes (as measured by liver function tests) indicate liver damage
  • Jaundice
  • Urine that’s darker than usual
• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle tissue breakdown) that can be life-threatening, and symptoms may include the following:
  • Dark or reddish in color urine
  • Confusion
  • Less urine than usual, producing
  • Muscle weakness or stiffness
  • Intense pain or cramps in your muscles
  • Exhaustion
• Severe myopathy (muscle problems) and symptoms may include:
  • Severe muscle cramping
  • Intense muscle pain
  • Muscle weakness
• Increased blood sugar (glucose) levels, which can elevate the risk of diabetes type 2.

[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

Warnings

Crestor is used to lower the levels of cholesterol in the body, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Before starting Crestor, it’s important to discuss your medical history with your doctor, as certain health conditions can affect whether this medication is safe for you to use.

• Liver Problems: If you have liver issues, especially those related to alcohol, Crestor might not be a good choice. It can worsen liver problems, so your doctor will likely suggest a different medication if you have active liver disease.
• Older Age: People aged 65 and older might have a higher risk of muscle issues when taking Crestor. Your caregiver will decide if this drug is appropriate for you.
• Kidney Problems: Crestor can increase the risk of side effects like muscle pain in people with kidney problems. Make sure to inform your doctor if you have any kidney disease.
• Allergic Reaction: Should you have previously experienced an allergic reaction to Crestor or any of its components, your doctor will probably suggest an alternative medication.
• Thyroid Condition: If you have an underactive thyroid that’s not well-controlled, you might be at a higher risk of muscle problems with Crestor. Your doctor may want to manage your thyroid condition before starting Crestor.
• Asian Descent: Studies have shown that Crestor can have stronger effects on people of Asian descent. If this applies to you, your doctor might prescribe a lower dose to minimize the risk of side effects.

Always follow your doctor’s advice and let them know about any health conditions you have before taking Crestor.

Boxed Warning 

• Rosuvastatin comes with important warnings known as Black Boxed Warnings. It can lead to muscle-related issues, particularly muscle weakness. Older adults (65 years & older), individuals with uncontrolled underactive thyroid, or those with kidney problems are at higher risk.
• Rosuvastatin might cause changes in liver enzyme levels. Therefore, anyone taking this medication should have regular check-ups to monitor liver function and avoid any serious health issues.

Precautions

• Pregnancy: Statins, like Crestor, shouldn’t be used during pregnancy because they could harm the unborn baby. Doctors usually won’t give this medication to those who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. There are other ways to treat high cholesterol that can be suggested instead. If you find out you’re pregnant while on Crestor, you should inform your doctor immediately. They will most likely recommend you to stop the medication and will guide you on alternative methods to control your cholesterol during pregnancy.
• Birth control: Crestor is not safe during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and there’s a chance of pregnancy, it’s important to discuss birth control options with your doctor while taking Crestor. If you’re a woman who could get pregnant, you should use effective birth control while on Crestor. The company that makes Crestor hasn’t provided specific birth control advice for men taking the medication. If you’re a man and your partner could get pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about birth control options while on Crestor.
• Breastfeeding: It’s not safe to take statins, like Crestor, while breastfeeding. The medication may pass into breast milk & potentially harm a breastfed baby. For this reason, doctors usually won’t prescribe this drug to breastfeeding individuals. Instead, they might suggest other ways to manage your condition until you’re done breastfeeding or recommend alternative feeding options for your baby. 
• Alcohol: Drinking a moderate amount of alcohol should be okay while taking Crestor. For women, this means one drink or less per day, and for men, it means two drinks or fewer per day. It’s not advised to drink more than this while on Crestor, as it could increase the risk of liver problems. If you have any concerns about alcohol and Crestor, it’s best to talk to your doctor. 

Contraindications

Crestor (rosuvastatin) should not be used in certain situations:

• If you have severe liver problems, such as acute liver failure or advanced cirrhosis.
• If you have hypersensitivity to rosuvastatin or any other ingredients in Crestor. Allergic reactions can include skin rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the face or lips.

Missed Dose

• If you forget to take a dose of your medication, take it as soon as you remember. 
• It’s essential not to take two doses of the medication within a 12-hour period. Doing so could increase your risk of experiencing side effects.
• If you’re unsure about when to take a missed dose, it’s best to consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
• To ensure that you don’t miss a dose in the future, consider using a medication reminder. This could be using a timer, setting an alarm, or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

Overdose 

It’s important not to take more Crestor than your doctor has prescribed. Taking too much of some medications can lead to unwanted side effects or an overdose. What to do if you take too much crestor? If you believe you’ve taken too much Crestor, contact your doctor immediately. You can also reach out to the American Association of Poison Control Centers for guidance. However, if you’re experiencing severe symptoms, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room without delay. 

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

Storage

• The effectiveness of Crestor can depend on various factors, including how and where it is stored.
• For Crestor tablets, it is recommended to store them at room temperature, which is between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). 
• The tablets should be kept in a tightly sealed container and away from damp or wet areas, such as bathrooms.

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

Crestor Interactions

Crestor can interact with a variety of medications, supplements, and certain foods, leading to different effects. Some interactions might reduce the effectiveness of the drug, while others can increase the severity of side effects. It’s also possible for Crestor to interact with certain health conditions.

Medications: Before starting Crestor, it’s crucial to have a conversation with your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Share with them a comprehensive list of all the medications you’re taking, including prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and any vitamins, herbs, or supplements. This will help in identifying and avoiding potential interactions.

Some examples of medications that may interact with Crestor include:

• Other cholesterol-lowering medications
• Blood thinners
• Certain antibiotics and antifungals
• Some HIV medications
• Certain immunosuppressants

This is not an exhaustive list, so make sure to discuss all your drugs with your healthcare giver to ensure the safe use of Crestor.

Other Medications: Taking Crestor with certain medications can maximize the chances of experiencing side effects from Crestor, particularly muscle-related issues. Here are some examples of drugs that can have this effect when taken with Crestor:

• Medications that are used to treat HIV or hepatitis C, like drugs that contain:
  • Lexiva (fosamprenavir)
  • Norvir (ritonavir)
  • Aptivus (tipranavir)
  • Vosevi (velpatasvir/sofosbuvir/voxilaprevir)
  • Reyataz (atazanavir)
  • Zepatier (grazoprevir/elbasvir)
  • Mavyret (pibrentasvir/glecaprevir)
  • Epclusa (velpatasvir/sofosbuvir)
• Other Cholesterol-lowering drugs that include:
  • Fibrates (except for fenofibrate), like Lopid (gemfibrozil)
  • Niacor (niacin)
• Certain cancer drugs:
  • Stivarga (regorafenib)
  • Nubeqa (darolutamide)
• Cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf, others)
• Colchicine (Mitigare, Colcrys, others)
• Certain antacids include Mylanta and Maalox.
• If you take Crestor along with a blood thinner called warfarin (Jantoven), the chances of experiencing side effects from warfarin might increase. If you have any concerns about how Crestor might interact with other medications you’re taking, it’s crucial to talk to your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Herbs, Supplements, and Foods: When taking Crestor, consult your caregiver or pharmacist before using any herbs or supplements to ensure they won’t interfere with your medication. Regarding your diet, here’s what you need to know:

• Grapefruit: Unlike some other statins, Crestor doesn’t interact with grapefruit. So, it’s generally safe to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
• Coffee: There are no known interactions between coffee and Crestor. However, if you have any concerns about consuming coffee or other foods and beverages while on Crestor, it’s best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Lab tests:  During Crestor’s clinical trials, some participants showed unusual results in specific urine tests. These included the presence of protein (proteinuria) and very small amounts of blood (microscopic hematuria) in the urine. These findings were more common in people taking the highest dose of Crestor, which is 40 milligrams (mg), compared to those taking lower doses or other statin medications. Generally, these test results were temporary and didn’t cause any symptoms. If you’re having a urine test while taking Crestor, it’s crucial to inform the healthcare professional conducting the test that you are on this medication.

[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Crestor. Make sure to tell your doctor any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]

Crestor Alternatives

• Pravastatin
• Zypitamag (pitavastatin)
• Livalo (pitavastatin)
• Altoprev (lovastatin)
• Lescol XL (fluvastatin)
• Lipitor (atorvastatin)
• Nexlizet (bempedoic acid/ezetimibe)
• Nexletol (bempedoic acid)
• Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin)
• Zetia (ezetimibe)
• Niacor (niacin)
• Leqvio (inclisiran)
• Lovaza (omega-3-acid ethyl esters)
• Vascepa (icosapent ethyl)
• Repatha (evolocumab)
• Praluent (alirocumab)
• Lopid (gemfibrozil)
• Triglide (fenofibrate)
• Tricor (fenofibrate)
• Colestid (colestipol)
• Welchol (colesevelam)
• Zocor (simvastatin)
• FloLipid (simvastatin)
• Ezallor Sprinkle (rosuvastatin)

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.] 

Quick Tips

1. What Causes Statin Muscle Pain, and How Will It Go Away?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to work?

Crestor usually starts working within 2 to 4 weeks. After this period, your doctor will order a blood test called a lipid panel to see how well the medication is managing your lipid levels. If your lipid levels are not within your target range, your doctor might increase your dose and then order another lipid panel to check the effectiveness of the drug. This process may continue until your lipid levels reach your target range or until the maximum dose of Crestor is reached. Your lipid levels will then be monitored periodically for as long as you are on the medication. If you have any questions about how Crestor works or what to expect during treatment, it’s important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. 

What else is Crestor good for?

This medication is also approved by the FDA to help prevent heart and blood vessel diseases in certain adults who are at risk for heart disease. Specifically, the medication is used to lower the chances of having a stroke, heart attack, and certain medical procedures related to blood vessels in some individuals.

What is the right time to take Crestor?

This statin, Crestor, is typically taken once a day, and there’s no specific best time to take it. However, to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body and ensure its effectiveness, it’s recommended to take Crestor at the same time every day. This also helps to avoid accidentally taking two doses within a 12-hour period. 

What vitamins can not be taken with statins?

Niacin is a type of B vitamin that supports the digestive and nervous systems, as well as the skin. It’s available as an over-the-counter supplement. Sometimes, niacin is used to help lower cholesterol levels. However, there’s evidence suggesting that taking niacin along with a statin medication could increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects associated with statins.

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