Crestor is the brand name of rosuvastatin calcium, a drug used to lower high blood cholesterol levels. Crestor, manufactured by Astra Zeneca, was approved by the FDA for use in 2003. Crestor can cause side effects in some of its users, including some potentially life-threatening medical conditions. Patients should notify their medical caregivers as soon as possible when experiencing side effects caused by Crestor.
Flu-Like Symptoms
According to the patient-prescribing information provided by Astra Zeneca, users of Crestor may experience side effects that are similar to symptoms of the flu. Muscle aches, stomach pain or upset and headache are among the most common minor side effects reported by people who take Crestor. Fatigue and a general feeling of weakness may also result from use of the drug. In some cases, Astra Zeneca reported that flu-like symptoms lead to a discontinuation of the cholesterol medication.
Liver Abnormalities
People who take Crestor should be monitored on a regular basis to assure that their livers are functioning normally. Astra-Zeneca has stated in their patient literature that some people who use Crestor have elevated liver enzymes as a side effect. Though none of the drug manufacturer's study participants developed liver disease as a result of the elevated enzymes, abnormal levels could lead to health problems in some patients.
Rhabdomyolysis
A serious side effect associated with Crestor is a condition called rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis occurs when the muscles break down and release proteins into the bloodstream. People with this form of muscle damage have weakness of the muscles and pain. As a result of the added toxins (the muscle proteins) in the bloodstream, the kidneys can begin to have difficulty with filtering the blood. Renal failure may coexist with rhabdomyolysis as a result of the use of Crestor. Heart damage may also occur as a result of the damage to the muscles.
