Medications and Drugs

1. Cholesterol Levels Slideshow Pictures
2. Lower Cholesterol Slideshow: Avoid Heart Disease
3. Take the Cholesterol Quiz

Brand Names: Crestor

Generic Name: rosuvastatin (Pronunciation: roe SOO va sta tin)

• What is rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
• What are the possible side effects of rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
• What is the most important information I should know about rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
• How should I take rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Crestor)?
• What happens if I overdose (Crestor)?
• What should I avoid while taking rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
• What other drugs will affect rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is rosuvastatin (Crestor)?

Rosuvastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins." Rosuvastatin reduces 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 lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood.

Rosuvastatin is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors

Rosuvastatin is used in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.

Rosuvastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Crestor 10 mg

round, pink, imprinted with ZD45222 10

Crestor 20 mg

round, pink, imprinted with ZD4522 20

Crestor 40 mg

oval, pink, imprinted with 40, ZD4522

Crestor 5 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with ZD4522 5

What are the possible side effects of rosuvastatin (Crestor)?

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:

• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
• fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine;
• swelling, weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all; or
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, depressed mood;
• mild muscle pain;
• joint pain;
• sleep problems (insomnia), nightmares;
• constipation;
• mild nausea; or
• stomach pain or indigestion.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about rosuvastatin (Crestor)?

You should not take rosuvastatin if you are allergic to it, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease.

Before taking rosuvastatin, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver or kidney disease, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder, if you are of Chinese descent, or if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.

In rare cases, rosuvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

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. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.

There are many other drugs that can increase your risk of serious medical problems if you take them together with rosuvastatin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

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.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.