rosuvastatin

Brand name(s):

Crestor

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. 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 or if you have liver disease. 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 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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rosuvastatin?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to rosuvastatin, if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease.

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.

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. It is not known whether rosuvastatin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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