Crestor is a prescription medication available as an oral tablet. Known generically as rosuvastatin calcium, it is indicated for the reduction of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels. Crestor is also indicated for the elevation of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) level and to slow the progression of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of waxy plaque inside the arteries. According to information provided by the drug manufacturer, Crestor is also indicated for treatment of high cholesterol in children aged 10 and older who have an inherited type of high cholesterol. Crestor should be used in conjunction with dietary modifications.
Neurological Side Effects
A common neurological side effect is headache. Less common side effects include insomnia, numb or tingling skin, anxiety, dizziness, depression, memory loss, a feeling one is about to fall, intense pain due to nerve irritation and increased muscle tone.
Cardiovascular and Blood-related Side Effects
Cardiovascular and blood-related side effects are uncommon and include dilation of the blood vessels, chest pain, high blood pressure, a sensation of the heart pounding in the chest, swelling of the feet, legs and hands, elevated liver enzymes, elevated bilirubin, abnormal thyroid function, high blood sugar, other blood test abnormalities, protein in the urine and microscopic blood in the urine.
Respiratory Side Effects
Common respiratory side effects of rosuvastatin include nasal inflammation, sore throat and inflammation of the sinuses. Less common side effects include difficulty breathing, runny nose, pneumonia and cough.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Common gastrointestinal side effects include nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea. Less common side effects include dental abscess, loss of appetite, stomach or intestinal irritation, heartburn, intestinal gas, vomiting, constipation, clay-colored stools, inflammation of the pancreas and liver failure, which can be life-threatening.
Musculoskeletal Side Effects
A common musculoskeletal side effect is muscle pain. Less-common side effects include joint pain, arthritis and muscle disease. According to 2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide, another uncommon side effect is rhabdomyolysis, which is a life-threatening breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney failure. Mayo Clinic describes the symptoms of rhabdomyolysis as muscle weakness, severe muscle aching all over the body and dark urine.
Other Side Effects
A common side effect of Crestor is a syndrome manifested by flu-like symptoms. Uncommon side effects include slight fever, yellowed skin, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, dark urine, voiding more than usual and voiding less than usual or not at all. The drug manufacturer states that a hypersensitivity reaction can also occur, manifested by hives, itching, rash and potentially life-threatening swelling of the throat, tongue, lips and face.
References
- AstraZeneca: Crestor Prescribing Information
- 2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide: Rosuvastatin Calcium
- Drugs.com: Crestor
