Crestor | rosuvastatin

Drug Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Manufacturer: Astrazeneca
Approval date: August 2003

What is Crestor and how does it work

Crestor is a cholesterol reducer that works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase which is needed for the production of cholesterol in the liver. Crestor is also classified as an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or “statin”.

What does Crestor treat

• Reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol
• Reduce triglycerides
• Slow build up of plaque
• Reduce the risk of heart attack, strokes, and vascular procedures
• Reduce cholesterol in children 10-17 of age

How effective is Crestor

• Reduce LDL cholesterol by 46-55%
• Reduce triglycerides by 21-43%
• Increase HDL (good cholesterol) by 3-17%
• Reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes in men and women with elevate hsCRP and other risk factors for cardiovascular (heart) disease

What are interesting facts about Crestor

• Potent LDL reducer
• Potent triglyceride reducer
• Reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes
• Less likely to interact with other drugs because it is not significantly metabolized by liver enzymes

What is Crestor dosage and administration

5-40 mg orally once daily

What are the side effects of Crestor

Common: sore throat, headache, nausea, stomach pain, constipation, muscle pain (myalgia), back pain, elevated liver enzymes, rash.

Statins have been associated with increased blood glucose, diabetes, and memory loss.

Serious: muscle break down, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, pancreatitis, protein in urine (proteinuria), increased blood glucose.

Crestor drug interactions

• Coumadin (warfarin, Jantoven)
• Antacids
• Cyclosporine
• Gemfibrozil
• Kaletra (Lopinavir/ritonavir)
• Reyataz (atazanavir/ritonavir)
• Niacin

What is the cost of Crestor

Cost between $3 and $14 per tablet.

How to obtain prescription assistance for Crestor

For prescription assistance visit Crestor savings and support program.

References: Crestor FDA Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

The material on this site is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.