Crestor is a brand name of the generic drug rosuvastatin. This medication is related to a group of drugs sometimes referred to as "statins." It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to lower total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides and to raise high density lipoprotein (HDL). Dosages typically range from 5 to 40 milligrams, and side effects tend to be more common and more severe with higher doses. Most adverse reactions are mild and short lasting. There are some important interactions with other medications that should be noted.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
Elevated blood pressure has been seen in those taking Crestor.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Nausea, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain are seen more frequently in those taking Crestor. One of the potentially more serious side effects involves the liver. Crestor may increase blood levels of the liver enzymes or cause jaundice. This may or may not lead to liver damage and needs to be monitored closely.
Musculoskeletal Side Effects
Crestor has the potential to damage muscles, and muscle and joint aches are fairly common, as is muscle weakness. A condition known as rhabdomyolosis, which is characterized by injury to the muscles, may occur. This injury can release muscle proteins into the bloodstream that may injure the kidneys.
Neurological Side Effects
A variety of side effects such as dizziness, headache, insomnia and altered sensations may be seen in those taking Crestor. Mood changes such as depression or anxiety may also be experienced.
Respiratory System
Sore throat, sinusitis, bronchitis and cough appear more often in those taking Crestor.
Skin Side Effects
A rash, hives or itching may develop in patients taking Crestor.
Medication Interactions
Cyclosporine taken together with Crestor results in increased levels of the latter. The same relationship occurs with the name brand drug Kaletra, which is a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir, used for human immunodeficiency virus infection.
A pair of drugs also used to treat cholesterol abnormalities may affect Crestor levels. Gemfibrozil and niacin each increase blood levels of Crestor, thus increasing the odds of side effects.
Coumarin anticoagulants, or "blood thinners" such as warfarin, deserve extra attention when taken with Crestor because their effects can be increased. The result is an elevated International Normalized Ratio (INR), a measure of blood's clotting ability, which needs to be monitored.
Antacids that contain aluminum and magnesium can decrease the blood levels of Crestor, and therefore should be taken at least two hours after taking Crestor.
