Crestor (Rosuvastatin) Review

Crestor is the brand name medication that is prescribed generically prescribed as rosuvastatin. Crestor is commonly prescribed to help manage cholesterol levels in the body. It works, usually in conjunction with alternative therapies, to help dispel the high fatty content known as cholesterol from the blood stream. It is often used as a medication to help prevent health problems, nit as a method of treating health problems. Heart attacks, strokes, vascular disease, and hardening of the arteries can all be avoided by lowering the levels of cholesterol in the body.

Crestor is not appropriate for all patients and should not be universally prescribed. A thorough medical evaluation along with a complete medical history is appropriate before prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history that involves epilepsy or other seizure disorder, kidney disease, a serious infection, a serious illness, muscle disorder, under active thyroid, an electrolyte imbalance, or a recent surgery or significant illness may not be able to take Crestor, or may require continuous care while undergoing treatment with the medicine.

In some rare cases, particularly patients of Asian descent, Crestor has been proven to contribute to the break down of skeletal muscle tissue, causing kidney failure. Patients over 65 years of age or those with Asian ancestry should be particularly cautious in regard to noticing their symptoms over time. Sudden muscle pain, weakness, low fever, dark urine, and the feeling of having the flu are indicators of kidney damage.

The American Food and Drug Administration determined Crestor to be a pregnancy risk category X, which means that it will cause birth defects and damage to an unborn fetus. It has yet to be determined whether or not Crestor passes through the mother’s breast milk and causes harm to a nursing baby. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or likely to be pregnant should not take this medication.

Should the patient accidentally miss a dose, the dose can be taken when it is remembered. However, if the next dose is less than 4 hours away, the missed dose should be skipped and regular dosing can continue at the next scheduled dose. Patients should never take a double dose of Crestor to make up for a missed dose, and they should never take their doses too close together. Doing so puts them in jeopardy of an overdose.

An overdose of Crestor is a medical emergency. Patients who are suspected of taking too much of this medication should seek immediate health care without delay. An overdose may present with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, generally feeling ill, along with a host of unknown symptoms.

Patients who are starting Crestor may experience some mild and common side effects, which are considered routine and should evoke no cause for alarm. Patients should keep their physician informed of their side effects, as dosing changes may help alleviate some of the symptoms. Common side effects are likely to include painful or burning urination, nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, constipation, weakness, sore throat, or nasal congestion.

More serious side effects require more serious medical care. Patients who experience serious side effects should seek out immediate urgent medical care. Symptoms such as allergic reactions (swelling of the facial structures, respiratory distress, and hives) jaundice, swelling of the extremities, chest pain, significant changes in urination habits and abilities, weakness with muscle pain and flu symptoms like fever, tenderness, aches, chills, and jaundice.

Patients should always check with the prescribing physician before taking any type of new medication, including over the counter medication, prescription medication, herbal remedies, and vitamin supplements. Medications with known interactions with Crsetor include blood thinners, cimetidine, niacin, cyclosporine, spironolactone, ketoconazole, and additional medications for lowering cholesterol.