What is Rosuvastatin (Crestor) and what does it do?
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is a powerful statin drug.
Statins are cholesterol-lowering drugs that work by inhibiting the formation of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) in the liver. Statins can also help to raise “good” cholesterol levels (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is used to decrease triglycerides, improve cholesterol levels, and protect the heart and blood vessels. It’s also used for people who have a higher risk of heart disease (like diabetics), despite having normal cholesterol levels.
What dosages of Rosuvastatin (Crestor) are available?
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is available in the following dosage forms:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
Typically, Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is taken orally once daily in doses ranging from 10 mg to 20 mg.
What side effects are common with taking Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
The most frequently asked question regarding the use of a cholesterol medication like Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is: What are side effects of Crestor?
Before you take Rosuvastatin (Crestor®), you should be aware that just like any other medication, there are side effects of Crestor.
Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness without a known cause is a rare, but serious, side effect of Crestor.
Notify your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects of Crestor persist:
- Feeling ill
- Headaches
- Pain in the stomach
- Weakness or dizziness
- Constipation
One in 1,000 people will experience side effects of Crestor that are life-threatening. Call your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Pain, tenderness, weakness or cramps in the muscles. These are all possible signs of muscle breakdown and kidney disease, respectively.
- Jaundice. It’s possible that your liver is malfunctioning if you have yellow skin or yellow eyes.
- Stomach pain. Stomach pain is a sign that you are suffering from issues with your pancreas.
- A persistent cough, shortness of breath, or weight loss. These symptoms can indicate the onset of lung disease from taking Rosuvastatin (Crestor).
One in 10,000 people will suffer from memory loss.You should talk to your doctor if you notice problems with your memory while taking Rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Does Rosuvastatin (Crestor) interact with other medications?
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) and other medications can interact, increasing your risk of experiencing side effects of Crestor.
Your doctor should know if you’re taking:
- The antibiotic Erythromycin, as well as those used to treat Hepatitis C and HIV
- Gaviscon
- Blood-thinning medications including clopidogrel and warfarin
- Ciclosporin
- Medically assisted conception and estrogen supplementation such as Clomid or Serophene
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs that aren’t statins (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam)
Who should NOT take Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
Some people should avoid taking Rosuvastatin (Crestor). Here are some indications that you should speak with your doctor about:
- Those with liver, kidney or thyroid issues
- Women trying to conceive or who are already pregnant or breastfeeding
- Those with a life-threatening lung condition
- People taking Ciclosporin
- Those who suffers from a muscle disorder (such as fibromyalgia) or have family members with this health issue
- Individuals who drink excessively or regularly
- People of Asian ancestry
If you have ever experienced muscle pain or weakness as a side effect of taking a statin or other cholesterol-lowering medication, you should also talk to your doctor about this before starting Rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Are there any special precautions I should follow before taking Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
Before you take Rosuvastatin (Crestor), it is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Rosuvastatin (Crestor) tablets or capsules, including Rosuvastatin (Crestor) or any other medication.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) can interact poorly with antacids that contain aluminum and magnesium hydroxide. If you are taking antacids, make sure to take your Rosuvastatin (Crestor) at least two hours apart from your antacids.
Finally, tell your doctor or dentist that you’re taking Rosuvastatin (Crestor) if you’re going to have surgery, including dental surgery because it may lead to future issues.
What drugs are similar to Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
Despite the fact that all statins work in a similar way, your body may react better to one type than another. In order to identify the proper statin for you, your doctor may have to try a few different kinds of them.
Statins come in a variety of formulations to suit different needs. Included are:
Does Rosuvastatin (Crestor) have a generic form?
Rosuvastatin is the generic version of Crestor.
What is the price of Rosuvastatin (Crestor) without insurance?
Rosuvastatin oral tablet 40 mg costs $14.73-$60.93 for a 30-tablet supply at most pharmacies.
Typical cholesterol medications can cost anywhere from $29.95 to $500 USD out of pocket!
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