Crestor (Rosuvastatin)

Do's

• Take Crestor by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily.
• If you are taking the capsule form of this medication, swallow the capsules whole.
• If you have trouble swallowing capsules, follow the manufacturer's Instructions for Use leaflet.
• You may carefully open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on 1 teaspoonful of soft food (such as applesauce, or chocolate- or vanilla-flavored pudding).
• Swallow all of the mixture without chewing. Use/discard the mixture within 60 minutes.
• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can reduce the absorption of Crestor. If taking this type of antacid, take it at least 2 hours after taking Crestor.
• Take Crestor regularly at the same time each day to maximize its benefits.
• Continue to follow your healthcare provider’s advice about diet, exercise, and dosage and administration of Crestor.
• Remember to keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. Continue to follow your healthcare provider’s advice about diet, exercise, and dosage and administration of Crestor. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Don'ts

• Do not crush or chew Crestor capsules.
• Do not prepare a supply of the medication in advance if you have difficulty swallowing capsules.
• Do not take antacids containing aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours of taking Crestor, as they can reduce its absorption.
• Most importantly, do not stop taking Crestor without consulting your healthcare provider, even if you feel well.

The dosage of Crestor is typically based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, race, and other medications you may be taking. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage for you. If you are of Asian descent, your healthcare provider may direct you to start with a lower dose because you may be more sensitive to its effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Muscle aches and pains
• Abdominal (stomach area) pain
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Joint pain
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Diabetes mellitus
• Protein in the urine
• Blood in the urine
• Trouble sleeping (trouble falling asleep or nightmares) 

Mild Side Effects:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness 

Serious Side Effects:

• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Muscle weakness in hips, shoulders, neck, and back
• Trouble lifting arms, climbing, or standing
• Confusion, memory problems
• Liver problems - upper stomach pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Elevated blood sugar levels
• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage or destruction) that can lead to acute renal failure
• Hemorrhagic stroke 
• Liver problems (rare)

Seek medical attention if any serious side effects occur. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of Crestor.

Crestor may cause liver enzyme elevations and possibly liver failure. Patients should be advised to promptly report fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or jaundice.

Patients should be informed that increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels may occur with Crestor. Lifestyle measures, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, and making healthy food choices, should be optimized.

Pregnant patients and those who can become pregnant should be advised of Crestor’s potential risk to a fetus.

Patients should be alerted to report unexplained muscle pain or weakness and discontinue Crestor if signs or symptoms appear, as rare but serious skeletal muscle effects such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis may occur.

Crestor should not be used by individuals with known hypersensitivity to its ingredients, active liver disease, or by pregnant or nursing mothers. In addition, individuals with a history of liver or kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disorder, or of Chinese descent should inform their healthcare provider before taking Crestor.