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What is Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
02:20
Featuring Nabila Ismail, PharmD | Reviewed by Daisy Chau, PharmD, Preeti Parikh, MD
What is Rosuvastatin (Crestor) used for?
Lower the risk of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in people at risk for heart disease
Lower "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people
How Rosuvastatin (Crestor) works
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is a statin. The main way it works is by blocking the enzyme (protein) in your liver that makes cholesterol. As a result, rosuvastatin (Crestor) lowers your "bad" cholesterol (called low-density lipoprotein, or LDL). Rosuvastatin (Crestor) can also raise your "good" cholesterol (called high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) and lower your triglyceride levels.
info
Are you looking for information on Roszet (rosuvastatin / ezetimibe) instead?
When does Rosuvastatin (Crestor) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect
Drug Facts
Common BrandsCrestor, Ezallor Sprinkle
Drug ClassStatin
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
More on Rosuvastatin (Crestor) essentials
What are the side effects of Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Other Side Effects
Serious Side Effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
When do Rosuvastatin (Crestor) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Muscle or joint pain
Headache
Nausea
Severe muscle damage
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.
Source:DailyMed
More on Rosuvastatin (Crestor) side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Difficulty in moving
joint pain or swelling
muscle pain, cramps, spasms, or stiffness
Less common
Blurred vision
chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness
difficult, burning, or painful urination
dry mouth
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
flushed, dry skin
fruit-like breath odor
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
loss of consciousness
muscle tension or tightness
nausea
slow heartbeat
stomachache
sweating
trouble breathing
unexplained weight loss
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Rare
Dark urine
fever
Incidence not known
Black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
bloating
bloody urine
chills
clay-colored stools
constipation
cough
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
headache
hives, itching, skin rash
hoarseness
indigestion
irritation
joint swelling
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
light-colored stools
loss of appetite
muscle tenderness, wasting, or weakness
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
pinpoint red spots on the skin
redness of the skin
stomach pain, continuing
swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
tightness in the chest
trouble swallowing
unpleasant breath odor
unusual bleeding or bruising
upper right abdominal or stomach pain
vomiting of blood
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Body aches or pain
congestion
dry or sore throat
runny nose
tender, swollen glands in the neck
voice changes
Less common
Accidental injury
accumulation of pus, swollen, red, or tender area of infection near a tooth
arm, back, or jaw pain
belching
bladder pain
burning feeling in the chest or stomach
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
diarrhea
discouragement
dizziness
excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
excessive muscle tone
fear
feeling faint
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
feeling of warmth or heat
feeling sad or empty
flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
general feeling of discomfort or illness
heartburn
lack of appetite
lack or loss of strength
lightheadedness
loss of interest or pleasure
neck pain
nerve pain
nervousness
pain or swelling in the arms or legs without any injury
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
passing gas
pounding in the ears
sensation of spinning
shivering
sneezing
stomach discomfort, tenderness, or upset
stuffy nose
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
Incidence not known
Confusion
forgetfulness
memory loss
nightmares
swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
unsteadiness or awkwardness
weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Pros
First-choice cholesterol medication that lowers your risk of heart attack and stroke
Can be taken by children as young as 7 years old
Sprinkle capsule (Ezallor Sprinkle) can be opened and contents sprinkled over soft food
Available as a lower cost, generic form
Cons
Not safe to take for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Might lead to liver problems
Can cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problem
Might raise blood sugar levels, especially in people who have pre-diabetes
Pharmacist tips for Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Mark your calendar with your appointments to get any blood work done when you take rosuvastatin (Crestor). Your prescriber will order blood work to check your cholesterol levels and liver labs during treatment. Your prescriber might change your dose based on your lab results.
It's fine to take rosuvastatin (Crestor) at any time, but it's best to take it at the same time every day.
You can take rosuvastatin (Crestor) with or without food. If it's hurting your stomach, try taking it with food to help.
Swallow the tablets whole. If you're having trouble swallowing pills whole, talk with your prescriber about switching you to Ezallor Sprinkle (rosuvastatin). This is a capsule that you can open up and sprinkle its contents over soft food, like applesauce or pudding.
If you're taking Ezallor Sprinkle (rosuvastatin), either swallow the capsule whole or open the capsule and sprinkle its contents over a teaspoonful of soft food, like applesauce or pudding. Don't chew this mixture; you must swallow it whole. You need to eat this mixture within an hour of mixing, don't store it away for later.
Muscle pain is a well-known potential side effect of statins like rosuvastatin (Crestor). You can experience it at any time during treatment, even if you've been taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) for years without any problem. Let your prescriber know right away if you experience muscle pain.
Be sure to get medical help right away if you notice dark-colored urine or fever in addition to muscle pain - these might be signs of a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), a rare side effect of rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Limit or avoid alcohol while taking rosuvastatin (Crestor). This is because alcohol can raise your risk of serious liver problems with rosuvastatin (Crestor). It can also worsen your cholesterol levels. If completely avoiding alcohol isn't possible for you, ask your prescriber what's a safe amount for you to drink.
If you take antacids containing aluminum and magnesium, make sure to take the antacid at least 2 hours after taking rosuvastatin (Crestor). This is to make sure all of the rosuvastatin (Crestor) gets absorbed into your body.
It's important that you eat a healthy and balanced diet low in fat and a maintain a regular exercise routine while taking rosuvastatin (Crestor). Doing so will help you get the most benefit out of the medication. Talk with your prescriber about how to plan your meals and what kind of exercise is appropriate for you.
Let a member of your care team know if you're pregnant. Rosuvastatin (Crestor) generally isn't recommended because it can cause birth defects. However, depending on your risk for problems of high cholesterol (e.g., heart attack, stroke), your provider might recommend continuing rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Don't use rosuvastatin (Crestor) while breastfeeding until you've talked to a healthcare provider about the risks and benefits. It's not completely clear how safe the medication is while breastfeeding.
More on Rosuvastatin (Crestor) tips
Frequently asked questions about Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
When is the best time to take rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
expand_more
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is a long-acting medication, which means that its effects last throughout the day. You can take rosuvastatin (Crestor) any time during the day or at night time. Just make sure you try to take it around the same time each day.
How long should I take rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
expand_more
Your healthcare team can discuss with you how long you need to take rosuvastatin (Crestor). Typically, the length of treatment of depends on different factors, like your cholesterol levels and your risk for heart problems. For example, people who have genetic conditions that lead to higher cholesterol levels, like familial hypercholesterolemia, might need to take a statin their entire life. But others might be able to stop rosuvastatin (Crestor) once their cholesterol levels are well-controlled and maintained with diet and exercise, and their risk for stroke or heart problems is low. Talk with your care team if you have specific questions about taking rosuvastatin (Crestor).
What happens if you miss a dose of rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
expand_more
If you accidentally miss a dose of rosuvastatin (Crestor), take it as soon as you remember. But if more than 12 hours have passed since the time you were scheduled to take your dose, then skip that dose and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Don't take 2 doses at the same time to make up any missed doses. Missing a single dose of rosuvastatin (Crestor) likely won't cause any problems. But missing several doses cause your cholesterol levels to go up and put you at higher risk for serious heart-related problems. If you're having trouble remembering to take your pills, discuss with your healthcare team ways to organize your medications like downloading a reminder app on your phone.
What can you not take with rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
expand_more
There are several medications that can interact with rosuvastatin (Crestor). While you might not need to avoid taking them together, your care team will likely need to make some dosage adjustments or check your labs more often. For example, if you take cyclosporine (Sandimmune), your care team might lower your dose of rosuvastatin (Crestor). This is because cyclosporine (Sandimmune) can raise the levels of rosuvastatin (Crestor) in your body and put you at higher risk for side effects. Another example is if you're taking warfarin (Coumadin), your care team might check your international normalized ratio (INR) more often after you start rosuvastatin (Crestor). This is because rosuvastatin (Crestor) can cause the INR to go up, which raises the risk of bleeding. Make sure to tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all of the medications you're taking before and during treatment with rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Does rosuvastatin (Crestor) cause weight gain?
expand_more
Weight gain isn't commonly reported by people who took rosuvastatin (Crestor) in clinical studies. If you've gained weight after starting rosuvastatin (Crestor), talk with your healthcare team. They can help you figure out what factors might be contributing to the weight gain. Keep in mind that while rosuvastatin (Crestor) can help lower your cholesterol levels, this medication works best when you also make lifestyle changes to keep your cholesterol levels low and to help maintain a healthy body weight. For example, your care team might recommend that you do cardio and strength training for at least 150 minutes per week. They will also recommend that you avoid foods that are high in trans and saturated fats, such as fast food, and to build meals with healthy foods, such as whole grains, nuts, and vegetables.
Do rosuvastatin (Crestor) side effects go away?
expand_more
Some common side effects of rosuvastatin (Crestor), such as headache, nausea, and constipation, typically go away with time. In the meantime, your healthcare team can recommend lifestyle changes to ease these side effects, such as eating foods high in fiber to help with constipation or eating foods that are more bland to prevent nausea. But taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) can also put you at risk for rare but serious side effects, such as liver problems or muscle breakdown. The risk for these side effects will likely stay with you as long as you're taking rosuvastatin (Crestor). Talk with your healthcare team if you have questions about any specific side effect.
What are long-term side effects of rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
expand_more
The risk of long-term side effects with rosuvastatin (Crestor) is low. Some studies suggest that taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) can raise blood sugar levels to the range of Type 2 diabetes. But this side effect is more likely for people who already have pre-diabetes. Other studies suggest that taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) can raise the risk of liver problems, but this side effect is also rare. More often, people reported higher levels of liver enzymes that got better over time, and no serious liver damage. In general, the benefits of taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) is greater than the potential for harm. Talk with your healthcare team if you have any specific concerns about taking this medication.
What's the difference between rosuvastatin (Crestor) and atorvastatin?
expand_more
Both rosuvastatin (Crestor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are moderate-to-high intensity statins, meaning they can lower LDL by more than 50% at certain doses. They're both taken once per day at any time of the day. One difference is the dosage forms they come in. Rosuvastatin is only available as pills, whereas atorvastatin is available as pills and a liquid (Atorvaliq). But, Ezallor Sprinkle, a brand of rosuvastatin capsules, can be opened up and sprinkled over soft foods for people having trouble swallowing pills. Another difference is both medications have slightly different drug interactions. For example, only atorvastatin (Lipitor) can't be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice and certain macrolide antibiotics. Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist if you have more questions on the differences between both medications.
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What are the risks and warnings for Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe muscle pain and damage
Risk factors: Ages 65 years and older | Asian descent | Hypothyroidism that's not well-controlled | Taking a higher dose of rosuvastatin (Crestor) | Kidney problems | Taking other medications that can also cause muscle problems or interact with rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) can cause a rare, but serious and life-threatening muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis. If severe, this muscle problem can lead to kidney injury. Your risk for rhabdomyolysis is higher if you take other medications that can either raise the levels of rosuvastatin (Crestor) in your body or also cause muscle damage. Stop rosuvastatin (Crestor) and get medical attention right away if you notice any symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, such as severe muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; dark-colored urine; and tiredness.
In some rare cases, statins like rosuvastatin (Crestor) can cause immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), an autoimmune condition that causes muscle inflammation and muscle weakness. This muscle problem might continue even if you stop taking the statin. If you develop IMNM, you'll need to stop the statin and you might need to take additional medications to dampen down your immune system.
Liver problems
Risk factors: History of liver problems | Drinking large amounts of alcohol
Some people who took rosuvastatin (Crestor) had changes to the liver enzyme levels in their blood, which can sometimes suggest liver problems. Most of the time, the changes in liver enzyme levels are temporary and don't cause any physical symptoms. In some rare cases, serious liver problems leading to liver failure have happened.
Your healthcare team might ask you to do blood tests to check your liver health before and during treatment to make sure your liver is working properly. Get medical attention right away if you notice yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; swelling of your stomach; stomach pain; nausea; vomiting; stool changes (black, tarry, or bloody stools); or dark or brown urine. You might need to stop taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) to prevent further liver damage.
Higher blood sugar levels
Risk factors: High blood sugar
Some research suggests that statins like rosuvastatin (Crestor) might raise blood sugar levels, which can lead to higher hemoglobin A1C levels. But healthcare professionals believe that the benefits of statins outweigh this risk. Tell your prescriber if you have diabetes or high blood sugar before you start rosuvastatin (Crestor). You might need to check your blood sugar more often. Also, follow a healthy, balanced diet and do regular exercise while you're taking rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Possible harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) isn't recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding for most people. This medication can possibly cause harm to unborn and breastfed babies. Talk to your healthcare team about the safest options for you if you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) dosage forms
The average cost for 30 tablets of 10mg of Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is $7.80 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 92.38% off the average retail price of $102.35.
Tablet
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 90 tablets | $11.60 | $0.13 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $7.80 | $0.26 |
| 20mg | 90 tablets | $13.00 | $0.14 |
| 40mg | 90 tablets | $16.00 | $0.18 |
Typical dosing for Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Adults: The typical dose ranges from 5 mg to 40 mg by mouth once per day.
Children: Your child's pediatrician will determine the dose based on your child's age and condition. The typical dose ranges from 5 mg to 20 mg by mouth once per day.
Your dose might differ if you're of Asian descent or if you have kidney problems.
More on Rosuvastatin (Crestor) dosage forms
Interactions between Rosuvastatin (Crestor) and other drugs
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Rosuvastatin (Crestor). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
More on Rosuvastatin (Crestor) interactions
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Amprenavir
- Atazanavir
- Bezafibrate
- Capmatinib
- Ciprofibrate
- Cobicistat
- Colchicine
- Cyclosporine
- Daptomycin
- Darolutamide
- Darunavir
- Dasabuvir
- Elagolix
- Elbasvir
- Eluxadoline
- Enasidenib
- Eslicarbazepine Acetate
- Fenofibrate
- Fenofibric Acid
- Fosamprenavir
- Gemfibrozil
- Grazoprevir
- Indinavir
- Lasmiditan
- Ledipasvir
- Leflunomide
- Lopinavir
- Niacin
- Ombitasvir
- Paritaprevir
- Regorafenib
- Ritonavir
- Rolapitant
- Saquinavir
- Simeprevir
- Teriflunomide
- Velpatasvir
- Voxilaprevir
- Warfarin
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acenocoumarol
- Amiodarone
- Dicumarol
- Eltrombopag
- Fluconazole
- Fostemsavir
- Glecaprevir
- Itraconazole
- Oat Bran
- Pectin
- Phenprocoumon
- Pibrentasvir
- Tipranavir
How much does Rosuvastatin (Crestor) cost?
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Crestor (brand)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) (generic)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person shouldnot take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditionsor if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Rosuvastatin (Crestor) will not be safe for you to take.
Liver problems (such as liver failure and severe liver cirrhosis)
Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
What are alternatives to Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Rosuvastatin (Crestor). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Used for:
Lower the risk of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in people at risk for heart disease
Lower "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people
$7.80 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Used for:
Prevention of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack or stroke) in high-risk adults (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of cholesterol problems)
Treatment of high "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people
$6.60 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Simvastatin (Zocor)
Used for:
Prevention of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack or stroke) in people at higher-risk for heart problems
Lower high "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people
$9.28 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
What is the latest news about Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) images
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