Crestor FAQ
Q: What is Crestor?
A: Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) is a statin drug, a medicine that lowers "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides, and raises "good" cholesterol in the blood. Crestor is made by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003.
Q: Are there any special instructions for taking Crestor?
A: Crestor is part of a treatment program that should include a low-fat diet and exercise. You should be placed on a standard lipid-lowering diet and an exercise routine before taking Crestor, and should continue these activities during treatment.
Crestor can be taken as a single dose at any time of day, with or without food. The dose range is 5 to 40 mg once daily. You should start on the lowest possible dose and never at 40 mg. After starting or changing your dose of Crestor, your lipid levels should be checked within 2 to 4 weeks and your dose adjusted as necessary.
Q: Has there been any recent news about Crestor?
A: In March 2005, the FDA issued an alert stating that serious muscle damage has been reported in patients taking Crestor as well as other statin drugs. While there does not appear to be a greater risk with Crestor than with statin drugs on the market, the labeling for Crestor is being revised to highlight important information on the safe use of Crestor.
Additionally, the alert reported a study revealing that the amount of the drug in the blood of a diverse group of Asian patients taking Crestor was two times higher than for Caucasian patients in the study. The labeling for Crestor will now recommend a lower starting dose of 5 mg for Asian patients.
Kidney failure of various types has also been reported in patients treated with Crestor and other statin drugs. However, the FDA does not have enough evidence to conclude that kidney damage is a direct result of Crestor therapy.
Q: Who should not take Crestor?
A: You should not take Crestor if you have liver problems or have persistently high liver enzymes, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, are breast-feeding, or are allergic to Crestor or any of its ingredients.
If you become pregnant, stop taking Crestor and contact your healthcare professional immediately.
Q: Are there any serious health risks associated with Crestor?
A: Crestor may cause rare, but serious, side effects including muscle damage (which can lead to kidney damage), and liver damage. Side effects from Crestor use include muscle pain, constipation, weakness, abdominal pain, and nausea.
Q: What should I tell my healthcare professional before he or she prescribes Crestor?
A: Before taking Crestor, you should tell your healthcare professional about all known medical conditions, including if you are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, are breast-feeding, have liver problems, have kidney problems, or drink alcohol.
Q: What should I do if I think I have been injured as a result of taking Crestor?
A: If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions related to Crestor use, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and protect your right to a legal remedy for any injuries caused by Crestor use.