Crestor (Rosuvastatin)

GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Crestor (Rosuvastatin) is a cholesterol lowering medication. '.

If you think Crestor is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Rosuvastatin

Crestor or rosuvastatin is a medication classified as HMG CoA reductase inhibitor. Together with a doctor-approved diet and regular exercise, it is used to improve the levels of cholesterol by lowering the levels of bad cholesterol and raising the levels of good cholesterol. It is also used for the treatment of people with inherited problems of cholesterol.

It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attacks, angioplasty, and stroke for people who have at least 2 risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Crestor is a brand name of rosuvastatin.

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Crestor patient information leaflet.

Crestor works by stopping the production of cholesterol in the body by blocking the responsible enzymes. Individuals with high cholesterol levels have a higher risk of heart diseases such as heart attacks. When the levels of cholesterol are lowered through the combination of medication, diet, and exercise, the risk of getting heart disease is lowered significantly. It takes 2 to 4 weeks before the user sees the maximum effect of Crestor on cholesterol levels in the blood.

Rosuvastatin Uses

The main benefit of Crestor is its ability to lower the cholesterol levels of individuals. It helps in lowering the risk of heart disease such as a heart attack, angioplasty, or stroke.

Use this medication according to the instruction of your doctor. Also, read the patient information leaflet that comes with the product package when you fill up your prescription and each time you get a refill.

Take Crestor by mouth with or without a meal, usually once daily.

The dosage of this medication is based on your medical condition, your response to the treatment, your age, race, and other medications you are currently taking. If you have an Asian ancestry, you may be prescribed by your doctor a lower dose of Crestor because you may be more sensitive to its effects.

Antacids that contain aluminium or magnesium may reduce the absorption of this medication. If you are taking this type of antacid, take it at least 2 hours after you take Crestor.

Take Crestor on a regular basis in order to optimize its benefit. Taking this medication at about the same time each day will help you remember to take the dose. You should continue your therapy even if you start feeling well.

It is important to follow your doctor’s advice about your diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication.

Rosuvastatin Dosage

The usual dose of Crestor is one tablet taken daily, or as directed by your doctor.

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) should be taken orally as a single dose, with or without food. The tablet must be swallowed whole.

Crestor 5mg/10mg/20mg/40mg

The recommended dosage range for adult patients is 5 mg to 40 mg orally once a day. The appropriate dose depends on the indication for usage, LDL-C levels, and cardiovascular risk.

Assess LDL-C levels as early as four weeks after starting CRESTOR treatment, and adjust dosage if necessary.

If a dose is missed, patients should not take an additional dose. Treatment should resume with the next scheduled dose.

For pediatric patients with HeFH, aged 8 years and older, the dosage ranges from 5 mg to 10 mg orally once daily for those aged 8 years to younger than 10, and 5 mg to 20 mg orally once daily for those aged 10 years and older.

For pediatric patients with HoFH, aged 7 years and older, the recommended dosage is 20 mg orally once daily.

Your doctor prescribed this medication because of the belief that your benefit is greater than the risk of side effects. Most people who use this medication do not experience the side effects.

Crestor Side Effects / Rosuvastatin Side Effects

A small number of people taking Crestor may experience mild memory problems or confusion. If you experience these side effects, consult your doctor.

In rare instances, statins such as Crestor may cause or worsen diabetes. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of taking this medication.

Immediately report to your doctor if you experience foamy urine, a serious but rare serious side effects.

Crestor may cause, in rare cases, muscle problems which can lead to autoimmune myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Immediately tell your doctor if you experience muscle pain or tenderness, and signs of kidney problems, which include a change in the amount of your urine.

Crestor may cause, rarely, liver problems. Report to your doctor immediately if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe stomach pain, dark urine, persistent nausea, or vomiting.

If you experience any other side effects that you believe are associated with your use of Crestor, report to your doctor immediately.

Before you start taking Crestor, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it, or if you have other forms of allergy. Crestor may contain inactive ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions or other problems. Discuss with your doctor the details.

Share with your doctor your medical history, especially if you ever had liver disease, kidney disease, or alcohol use.

Limit your intake of alcoholic drinks. Daily intake of alcohol could increase your risk of liver problems, which will further increase when combined alcohol with Crestor. Ask your doctor for more information about this.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle problems.

Crestor is not be used during pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn baby. It important that you prevent getting pregnant while taking this medication. Discuss with your doctor the use of reliable and effective forms of birth control while taking Crestor. If you get pregnant or think that you might be pregnant while taking Crestor, inform your doctor right away.

Crestor passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding while taking this medication is not recommended because of the possible risk to the nursing infant. Consult your doctor before you start to breastfeed.

Drug interactions may affect how your medications work. It may also increase your risk for serious side effects. Share with your doctor a list of all medications you are currently taking including prescription, nonprescription, and herbal products. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without the knowledge and approval of your doctor.

Some medications may interact with Crestor including blood thinners and gemfibrozil.

Other medicines may affect the removal of Crestor from your body, which may affect how the medicine works.

Do not take any red yeast rice products while taking Crestor because some red yeast rice products may also contain a statin which is similar to Crestor. Taking Crestor together with products containing red yeast rice can increase the risk of you getting muscle and liver problems.