Crestor is a prescription medication, manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, which helps reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Crestor is the brand name for the medication rosuvastatin. Rosuvastatin works to reduce cholesterol by blocking an enzyme in the body that makes LDL (bad) cholesterol, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition to blocking LDL cholesterol from developing, it increases levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
Uses
Crestor works in conjunction with a proper diet to manage cholesterol. In doing so, it also reduces the progression of the narrowing of arteries and decreases plaque buildup in the blood vessels. According to the manufacturer, physicians prescribe Crestor to decrease the risk of a stroke or heart attack in men over the age of 50 and for women over the age of 60 with high cholesterol levels and an additional risk factor for heart problems, such as a family history.
Availability and Dosage
Crestor comes in tablet form. Available strengths available include 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg tablets. Each tablet contains the word CRESTOR and dosage amount scribed on the pill, according to the manufacturer. The 40 mg tablet is pink and oval-shaped. All other tablets are round. The 10 mg and 20 mg tablets are also pink, but the 5 mg tablet is yellow. The typical starting dose for Crestor is 10 mg daily, according to Drugs.com.
Precautions
Muscular pain, tenderness and weakness along with a fever and fatigue may occur during use of Crestor, according to the Mayo Clinic. Report any of these symptoms to your physician immediately for further evaluation because these are symptoms of a serious medical problem called rhabdomyolysis.
The physician will closely monitor blood work to evaluate the effects of Crestor. Cholesterol levels and liver function and kidney function tests are some of the laboratory results monitored by the doctor.
Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of liver damage while taking Crestor, according the Mayo Clinic.
Individuals with a Japanese or Chinese decent may experience a difference in metabolizing Crestor, according to Drugs.com. The physician needs to know this family history when prescribing the medication.
Side Effects
Crestor may cause symptoms of gastrointestinal distress including nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea and indigestion. Other common side effects of the medicine include a headache and a sore throat, according to Drugs.com.
Contraindications
Women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding should not take Crestor. The danger to the baby outweighs the possible benefits from the medication. Individuals with liver disease cannot take Crestor tablets to help lower cholesterol.
Member Comments