Drug NameCrestor (Rosuvastatin) Drug UsesCrestor is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also known as a "statin"), used with a proper diet to help lower cholesterol and fat (triglyceride) levels and to raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels in your blood. How to useFollow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Do not take antacids for at least 2 hours after taking this medicine. This medicine should be taken regularly to get the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you remember. It is important to continue taking this medicine even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. Drug Class and MechanismCrestor is an oral drug for lowering blood cholesterol levels. It belongs to a class of drugs, called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, more commonly referred to as "statins". Other drugs in this class include simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), atorvastatin (Lipitor) and fluvastatin (Lescol). These drugs reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that produces cholesterol in the liver. Crestor and other statins lower blood total cholesterol as well as blood LDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is the "bad" type of cholesterol that increases the risk of coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis) and heart attacks. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels slows the progression of coronary artery disease and may even reverse it. Statins also increase HDL cholesterol, the "good" type of cholesterol, and reduce triglycerides. Missed DoseIf you miss a dose of Sumycin , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. Storage Store this medicine at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Possible Side EffectsSide effects that may occur while taking this medicine include constipation, headache, stomach upset, or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. This medicine may rarely cause muscle damage that can lead to a very serious condition, called rhabdomyolysis. Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you develop fever; muscle pain, cramping, tenderness, or weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness); chest pain; yellowing eyes and skin; dark urine; nausea or vomiting; or stomach pain. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. More InformationFor best results, this medicine should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. Follow the dietary plan provided by your doctor. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out. Warnings/PrecautionsDo not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it, to other similar medicines, or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this medicine is seen. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function tests, kidney function tests, and blood cholesterol levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Daily use of alcohol may increase your chance for serious side effects. Limit alcoholic beverages. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this medicine in asian patients or in the elderly because they may more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially effects on the muscles that may lead to kidney problems. Contact your doctor for more information.
For women: If you are able to become pregnant, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the use of effective birth control while taking this medicine. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
What is rosuvastatin?
Rosuvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medication that blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body. It works by reducing levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).
Rosuvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol. Lowering your cholesterol can help prevent heart disease and hardening of the arteries, conditions that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease.
Rosuvastatin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about rosuvastatin?
In rare cases, rosuvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure, and may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people of Asian descent who take rosuvastatin. Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine. This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to rosuvastatin, if you have liver disease, or if you are breast-feeding a baby. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can increase triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking rosuvastatin.
Rosuvastatin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rosuvastatin?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to rosuvastatin, if you have liver disease, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.
Before taking rosuvastatin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- kidney disease;
-
underactive thyroid;
-
a muscle disorder;
-
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
-
an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood);
-
a severe infection or illness; or
-
if you have had a very recent surgery or medical emergency.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take rosuvastatin.
People of Asian descent may absorb rosuvastatin at a higher rate than other people. Make sure your doctor knows if you are Asian. You may need a lower than normal starting dose.
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use rosuvastatin if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Rosuvastatin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while you are taking rosuvastatin.
How should I take rosuvastatin?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medication with a full glass of water.
Rosuvastatin is usually taken once a day. You may take the medicine with or without food. Take rosuvastatin at the same time each day.
It is important to use rosuvastatin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
In rare cases, rosuvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure, and may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people of Asian descent who take rosuvastatin. Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine.
Rosuvastatin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Do not stop using rosuvastatin without first talking to your doctor. It may take several weeks of taking the medication before your condition improves. Store rosuvastatin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
The symptoms of a rosuvastatin overdose are not known.
What should I avoid while taking rosuvastatin?
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Rosuvastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can increase triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking rosuvastatin.
Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of antacid your doctor recommends, and do not take it within 2 hours after taking rosuvastatin. Antacids contain different medicines and some types can make it harder for your body to absorb rosuvastatin.
Rosuvastatin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking rosuvastatin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine;
-
urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
-
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
-
chest pain; or
-
swelling in your hands or feet.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
weakness, dizziness;
-
nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea;
-
sore throat, runny or stuffy nose;
-
memory loss;
-
headache; or
-
pain or burning when you urinate.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect rosuvastatin?
Before taking rosuvastatin, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
-
cimetidine (Tagamet);
-
cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Gengraf, Neoral);
-
ketoconazole (Nizoral);
-
lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra);
-
niacin (Nicolar, Nicobid, Nicotinex, others);
-
spironolactone (Aldactazide, Aldactone);
-
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or
-
other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as clofibrate (Atromid-S), fenofibrate (Tricor), or gemfibrozil (Lopid).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with rosuvastatin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about rosuvastatin.
generic for crestor, crestor discussion, crestor warning, crestor drug interactions, crestor advertising agency, crestor memory, crestor benefits, crestor rosuvastatin tablets, substitute for crestor, crestor patent, crestor 10 mg, crestor rebate, crestor coupons, crestor and le, side effects crestor, info on crestor, crestor rosuvastatin, crestor prices, crestor deaths, crestor sex drive, crestor contraindications, crestor vs lipitor, crestor muscle pain, crestor research, stopping crestor, corona crestor, crestor side effects, crestor 10mg, lipitor vs crestor, crestor info, crestor diabetes, crestor joint pain, crestor retain water, crestor muscle weakness, crestor forum, pravachol vs crestor, crestor launch, cost of crestor, nissen crestor, crestor art, crestor lawsuit, crestor generic, astrazeneca crestor, crestor kidney damage, metformin and crestor, crestor coq10 supplement, shelflife of crestor, crestor hair loss, crestor shelf life, risk of crestor, crestor and impotence, crestor information, crestor lawyer ohio, crestor side, crestor 15 mg, crestor lotrel, generic crestor, crestor and tums, drug crestor, crestor and thyroid, crestor drug, tricep pains crestor, crestor attorney columbus, crestor alcohol, thiopurine crestor, crestor 5 mg, crestor lipitor, crestor side affects, active ingredient crestor, crestor and alchohol, detoxing from crestor, corona crestor nissen, crestor rosuvastatin calcium, crestor lawyer columbus, crestor discontinue, crestor elevated liver, crestor weight gain, crestor testosterone, crestor 90 106.00, crestor attorney ohio, crestor gallbladder, crestor muscle, crestor dementia, crestor 40 qd, crestor medication, crestor and alcohol, crestor and plaques, dangers of crestor, crestor and parkinsons, crestor medicine, crestor replacement, cheap crestor order, cheap crestor, crestor price, crestor bad temper, help buying crestor, crestor headache,
|