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Rosuvastatin

 

Rosuvastatin (generic Crestor) Review

brand name: Crestor
generic name: Rosuvastatin

Why is Crestor prescribed?

Crestor is used to lower cholesterol levels when diet and exercise alone have failed to work. The drug can help lower the total cholesterol count as well as harmful levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. It can also lower triglycerides, a type of fat that is carried through the bloodstream and can end up being stored as body fat. Sometimes Crestor may be combined with another type of cholesterol-lowering drug such as Colestid, Questran, or WelChol.

In addition, Crestor can help increase the amount of "good" cholesterol known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

It's especially important to keep LDL cholesterol under control, since high levels are associated with heart disease. Federal guidelines recommend considering drug therapy when LDL levels reach 130 in people at high risk for heart disease. For people with a lower risk, the cutoff is 160. For those with little or no risk, it's 190.

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.

It is important to use rovustatin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

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.

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 visits to your doctor.

Rosuvastatin is usually taken once a day. You may take the medicine with or without food. Take rosuvastatin at the same time each day.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) should never be used during pregnancy because a developing baby needs plenty of cholesterol. Your doctor will prescribe Crestor only if you are highly unlikely to become pregnant while taking Crestor (Rosuvastatin). If you do become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

Likewise, Crestor (Rosuvastatin) should never be used while you're breastfeeding.

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) is used for:

Lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients. It also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good") cholesterol levels. It is used along with an appropriate diet. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, also known as a "statin." It works by reducing the production of certain fatty substances in the body, including cholesterol.

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 may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Rosuvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol. Lowering your cholesterol can help prevent heart disease and hardening of the arteries, stroke, conditions that can lead to heart attack, and vascular disease.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Crestor (Rosuvastatin) , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Crestor is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Crestor (Rosuvastatin) . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, pharmacist, check with your doctor, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: September 5, 2007 Database Edition 07.3.1.003 Copyright © 2007 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.