Rosuvastatin is a medicine used along with diet and exercise to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL; the “bad” cholesterol) and triglyceride (a type of fat) levels in the blood and raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL; the “good” cholesterol) levels.

This medicine can treat individuals who have hereditary conditions that cause high cholesterol.

Rosuvastatin is also taken to lessen the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Additionally, it’s used to lower the chances that heart surgery will be needed in people who have heart disease or are at risk for heart disease.

Rosuvastatin is in a class of drugs called statins. It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in your body.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medicine in 2003. It’s sold under the brand name Crestor.

warnings

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

You should not take rosuvastatin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

liver disease; or
if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Do not take rosuvastatin if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking rosuvastatin. Stop taking rosuvastatin and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed while you are taking rosuvastatin.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver problems;
kidney disease;
a thyroid disorder;
a habit of drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day;
if you are of Asian descent; or
if you are 65 or older.

Rosuvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in women, in older adults, or people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

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.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Crestor (Rosuvastatin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
muscle weakness in your hips, shoulders, neck, and back;
trouble lifting your arms, trouble climbing or standing;
confusion, memory problems; or
liver problems--upper stomach pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects may include:

headache;
weakness;
muscle aches; or
nausea, stomach pain.

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.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Crestor (Rosuvastatin) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Contraindicated in pregnancy

Based on FDA pregnancy categories

Do not breastfeed while you are taking rosuvastatin.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Crestor (Rosuvastatin)?

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or rosuvastatin will not be as effective.

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

Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb rosuvastatin. Avoid taking an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours after taking rosuvastatin.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Crestor (Rosuvastatin)?

Use Crestor (Rosuvastatin) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Rosuvastatin is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.

While using rosuvastatin, you may need frequent blood tests.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. You may need to take rosuvastatin on a long-term basis.

You may need to stop using rosuvastatin for a short time if you have:

uncontrolled seizures;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood);
severely low blood pressure;
a severe infection or illness;
dehydration; or
surgery or a medical emergency.

You should not stop using rosuvastatin unless your doctor tells you to.

Rosuvastatin is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Crestor (Rosuvastatin)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 12 hours late for the dose. Do not use two doses at one time.