Crestor Drug Monograph
For Your Convenience

This Crestor Drug Monograph is presented courtesy of
Canadian Online Prescription Guide.com.

Crestor
Generic Name: Rosuvastatin
Pronounced: ro-SUE-va-sta-tin
Drug Class: Cholesterol-lowering agent,
  HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor


IMPORTANT NOTE: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS ONLY INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL FAMILIAR WITH YOUR CONDITION. THIS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO STATE OR IMPLY THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOUR CONDITION. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING THIS OR ANY OTHER DRUG.

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) Uses

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) is used for patients with high cholesterol and triglycerides. Taken together with a low-fat diet, Crestor (Rosuvastatin) can lower LDL cholesterol, commonly referred to as the “bad” cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, while increasing the HDL, or “good” cholesterol.

Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides can help prevent strokes and heart attacks.

How Crestor (Rosuvastatin) Works

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) and the other "statin" drugs block an enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) in the liver that is used by your body to make cholesterol. This results in lower levels of cholesterol and reduced risk of hardening of the arteries.

How To Take Crestor (Rosuvastatin)

Take Crestor (Rosuvastatin) by mouth as directed by your doctor. The tablet may be crushed or split. Crestor (Rosuvastatin) is better if taken on an empty stomach and before bedtime, since cholesterol is made in your body at a faster rate between midnight and 5AM. Generally getting the full-effect of Crestor (Rosuvastatin) takes between 2 to 4 weeks, as long as you continue taking the medication on a daily frequency as prescribed.

Antacids can limit absorption of Crestor. If you take any antacids, take them at least 2 hours after Crestor,

If you also take Questran (Cholestyramine) or Colestid (Colestipol), take your Crestor at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after these medications.

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) Possible Side Effects

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) is generally well-tolerated and side effects are usually mild. Muscle pain (myalgia), constipation, gas, indigestion, vomiting, abdominal pain, bronchitis, cough, dizziness, peripheral edema (swelling), arthritis or arthralgia, insomnia, depression and others have been reported with Crestor (Rosuvastatin) use.

You should notify your doctor if you experience any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness.

Although serious allergic reaction to Crestor is unlikely, seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of serious allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) Warnings and Precautions

Your doctor should conduct routine blood tests to check your liver function before and during treatment with Crestor (Rosuvastatin).

Do not take Crestor or any other "statin" drugs if you have active liver disease. Notify your doctor if you have kidney disease or thyroid disease.

Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages while taking Crestor. This will decrease your chance of serious side effects.

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as gemfibrozil or niacin), certain antibiotics (such as erythromycin) and antifungal medications such as fluconazole, itraconazole or ketoconazole.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take double doses.

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw out medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

Pregnancy/Nursing

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) should not be used during pregnancy. If you suspect that you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor. It is not known whether Crestor (Rosuvastatin) is excreted in the breast milk. It is advised not to breast-feed while taking Crestor (Rosuvastatin).

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) Dietary Supplement Recommendations

Anyone taking any "statin" type drug should supplement CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is essential for healthy heart function. Your body normally makes CoQ10. One of the raw materials for CoQ10 production is cholesterol. To support your healthy heart function, you must supplement CoQ10.

Anyone with heart disease should also supplement Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), and Folic Acid or Folate. These nutrients suppress high Homocysteine levels. Elevated Homocysteine is consider by some experts to be more dangerous to heart health than cholesterol. Elevated Homocysteine levels essentially "rough up" the surface of blood vessels, making it easier for plaques to stick.

A good B Complex is usually enough to lower Homocysteine levels to a safe concentration. Consider Folic Acid supplemention for the same reason.

Another supplement worth considering is Policosanol. This natural supplement is made from sugar cane stems and will often positively affect (ie, lower) cholesterol levels. Some studies found a 14 percent reduction.

Garlic is another supplement shown to help promote healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Adding garlic and policosanol to your diet might even save money on your prescription drug bill.

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