Crestor or rosuvastatin is a medication in a class of drugs known as statins. Physicians prescribe Crestor to help treat high cholesterol along with diet and exercise. According to Drugs.com, Crestor works by reducing levels of "bad" cholesterol also called low-density lipoprotein, or LDL and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol also called high-density lipoprotein, or HDL. There are some medical side effects of Crestor that users should be aware of.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Patients may experience flu like symptoms while taking Crestor, says Drugs.com. Symptoms can include headache, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose. These side effects may prove temporary until the body has time to adjust to Crestor. Some natural remedies to relieve such symptoms include throat lozenges, honey and lemon, humidified air, and saline nasal wash or spray. Patients should consult their physician if these side effects become bothersome. They may recommend the use of an over the counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen for headache and sore throat, or an antihistamine or decongestant to relieve nasal symptoms.
Muscle Pain and Weakness
Crestor may cause muscle pain and weakness, says the Crestor website. Users may feel more fatigued while completing daily activities. In some cases, Crestor may cause Rhabdomyolosis, a condition that leads to the dangerous breakdown of muscle tissue. Signs and symptoms of Rhabdomyolosis include unexplained muscle pain and tenderness, muscle weakness and fatigue, fever or flu symptoms, and dark cola-colored urine. Any signs or symptoms of muscle pain or weakness should be brought to the attention of a physician immediately.
Nausea and Abdominal Pain
According to the Crestor website, nausea and abdominal pain are two of the most common side effects of Crestor. These side effects may diminish over time as the body adjusts to Crestor. Taking Crestor at night with food or milk may help to lessen the incidence of abdominal pain and nausea. Eating a bland diet and avoiding spicy or fatty foods may help alleviate gastric side effects of Crestor. According to Drugs.com, if nausea and stomach pain are accompanied by low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyes; it may indicate something more serious that warrants immediate medical attention.
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