Crestor, known generically as rosuvastatin calcium, is a cholesterol-lowering medication doctors prescribe in adults and children ages 10 and over. It belongs to a group of drugs called statins, the most popular medication for lowering high LDL, or bad, cholesterol. Before taking Crestor, it is necessary to learn how it works and any dangers accompanying it.
Function
Crestor works in more ways than one. It slows the production of cholesterol by blocking the substance your body needs for its production. Second, it can reabsorb cholesterol that has built up in the paques of your artery walls, preventing heart attacks and future damage to your blood vessels.
Crestor Candidate
MayoClinic.com explains that if your total cholesterol is 240 mg/dL or higher, or your LDL is equal to or greater than 130 mg/dL, your doctor may prescribe Crestor to lower your cholesterol levels. Other variables factor in also, and these include being overweight, living a sedentary lifestyle, a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, smoking or narrow arteries in your neck, arms or legs, also known as peripheral artery disease.
Taking Crestor
You take Crestor once a day, at bedtime. This is when cholesterol production is at its highest. The dose depends on how high your cholesterol is -- the higher your cholesterol, the higher your dose. You can take your medication with or without food, however, Drugs.com stresses the importance of taking it at the same time each day for maximum efficacy. It takes four to six weeks for you to receive the full benefit of this drug -- at this time, most patients have a 20 to 60 percent reduction in their cholesterol.
Possible Side Effects
Less serious side effects include headaches, nausea, constipation, stomach pain or indigestion. Mild joint or muscle pain is common, but should subside within a short time. A more serious, but rare, side effect related to Crestor is muscle break down; the muscle and joint pain you experience initially can be indicative of this. Should these side effects not subside within a short time, or worsen, notify your doctor.
Live damage is another serious side effect your doctor can prevent through blood liver tests. Six weeks after starting Crestor, your doctor should perform a a blood test to check your liver enzymes; if they are elevated, your medication should be stopped to prevent and/or reverse any possible liver damage. If left undetected, continued use of Crestor can lead to permanent liver damage.
Consider This
Crestor may be an effective means of lowering your cholesterol, however, once your cholesterol is within a healthy range, you need to remain on it indefinitely. If you do not, chances are your cholesterol levels will rise again, according to MayoClinic.com. The only exception is making and adhering to significant lifestyle changes such as losing large amounts of weight, regular exercise and major dietary changes.
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