Crestor, or rosuvastatin calcium, is used to treat high levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides or fats. It decreases the overall production of cholesterol and aids in the blocking of its production within the liver. It helps to stop the plaque buildup in the arteries. Most of the cholesterol in the blood is made in our bodies by the liver. Lowering triglyceride and LDL levels in the blood stream helps to make your heart healthier and essentially raises the good cholesterol---high-density lipoproteins or HDL---within the blood.
Problems
Crestor may not be for everyone. You may have pre-existing conditions that may prevent you from taking Crestor based on your physician's recommendations. Tell your physician if you abuse alcohol, have liver, kidney or thyroid disease, metabolic enzyme disorder (MED), blood in your urine, seizures, severe infections, hypotension or low blood pressure, electrolyte disorder, weakness or pain in the muscles, or if you suffered major trauma or had major surgery. If you are Japanese or Chinese the medication may also be a problem, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Temporary Side Effects
Rosuvastatin has been known to produce some side effects when you first use it, but that will diminish and disappear as you continue to use it, according to the Mayo Clinic. Tell your physician about any of these if they persist. They include lightheadedness, irritability, bodily pain, congestion, insomnia, shivering, nausea, wheezing, vomiting, depression, decreased appetite, a sense of fear, swallowing difficulties, bladder pain and loud breathing. Others may include abnormal bruising, constipation, blurry vision, flatulence, headaches and vocal changes.
Serious Side Effects
Crestor also may create some side effects with serious implications, according to the Mayo Clinic. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience them. They include skin or urine discoloration, stiff muscles, muscle spasms, bad breath and rash. Others may include muscle weakness, eye yellowing, fever, bloody vomit, muscle cramps and feces that are clay colored. Muscle tenderness and weakness at any time during your use of Crestor should be reported to your doctor. This may be a sign of a serious side effect related to a blood clot or change in body fluid counts in the body. Crestor may impose changes in body fluids and clotting factors.
