Crestor

Crestor

     * Generic Name: rosuvastatin calcium
     * Brand Name: Crestor


     * What is rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
     * What are the possible side effects of rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
     * How should I take rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Crestor)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Crestor)?
     * What should I avoid while taking rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
     * What other drugs will affect rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
     * Where can I get more information (Crestor)?

What is rosuvastatin (Crestor)?

   Rosuvastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase
   inhibitors, or "statins." Rosuvastatin reduces 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 is used in adults and children who are at least 8 years
   old, to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood
   and to slow the build-up of plaque (fatty deposits) in blood vessels.

   Rosuvastatin is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart
   attack, and other heart complications in certain people with
   diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.

   Rosuvastatin is also used to treat hereditary forms of high
   cholesterol, including the heterozygous type (inherited from one
   parent) and the homozygous type (inherited from both parents). For
   the heterozygous type, rosuvastatin can be used in children who are at
   least 8 years old. For the homozygous type, rosuvastatin can be used in
   children as young as 7 years old.

   Rosuvastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of rosuvastatin (Crestor)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   In rare cases, rosuvastatin can cause a condition that results in the
   breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure.
   Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain,
   tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual
   tiredness, and dark colored urine.

   Also call your doctor at once if you have:
     * confusion, memory problems;
     * liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
       loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools,
       jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
     * signs of a kidney problem--little or no urinating; painful or
       difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling
       tired or short of breath.

   Common side effects may include:
     * liver symptoms (stomach pain, dark urine, jaundice);
     * unusual weakness or tired feeling;
     * headache, muscle aches; or
     * nausea, upset stomach.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about rosuvastatin
(Crestor)?

   Do not use rosuvastatin if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn
   baby or cause birth defects.

   You should not take rosuvastatin if you have liver disease, or if
   you breast-feeding a baby.

   Crestor Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels

   Cholesterol Levels Slideshow
   Lowering Cholesterol:15 Tips for Avoiding Heart Disease

   Lowering Cholesterol Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   High Cholesterol Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rosuvastatin
(Crestor)?

   You should not take rosuvastatin if you are allergic to it, or if you
   have:
     * liver disease; or
     * if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

   Do not take rosuvastatin if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn
   baby or cause birth defects. Stop taking rosuvastatin and tell your
   doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control
   to prevent pregnancy while you are taking rosuvastatin.

   Rosuvastatin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby.
   Do not breast-feed while you are taking rosuvastatin.

   To make sure rosuvastatin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
   ever had:
     * liver disease;
     * kidney disease;
     * diabetes;
     * a thyroid disorder;
     * if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily;
     * if you are of Asian descent; or
     * if you are 65 or older.

   Rosuvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of
   skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may
   be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney
   disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

   People of Asian descent may absorb rosuvastatin at a higher rate
   than other people. Make sure your doctor knows if you are Asian. You
   may need a lower than normal starting dose.

How should I take rosuvastatin (Crestor)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or
   smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Rosuvastatin is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Take
   the medicine at the same time each day.

   While using rosuvastatin, you may need frequent blood tests.

   Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High
   cholesterol usually has no symptoms. You may need to take rosuvastatin
   on a long-term basis.

   You may need to stop using rosuvastatin for a short time if you have:
     * uncontrolled seizures;
     * an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium
       levels in your blood);
     * severely low blood pressure;
     * a severe infection or illness;
     * dehydration; or
     * surgery or a medical emergency.

   You should not stop using rosuvastatin unless your doctor tells you to.

   Rosuvastatin is only part of a treatment program that may also include
   diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's
   instructions very closely.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

   Crestor Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels

   Cholesterol Levels Slideshow
   Lowering Cholesterol:15 Tips for Avoiding Heart Disease

   Lowering Cholesterol Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   High Cholesterol Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Crestor)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you are more than 12
   hours late, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up
   the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Crestor)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking rosuvastatin (Crestor)?

   Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may
   increase your risk of liver damage.

   Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the
   type of antacid your doctor recommends, and do not take it within 2
   hours after taking rosuvastatin. Some antacids can make it harder for
   your body to absorb rosuvastatin.

   Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Rosuvastatin
   will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not
   follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.

What other drugs will affect rosuvastatin (Crestor)?

   Using certain other drugs together with rosuvastatin can increase your
   risk of serious muscle problems. It is very important to tell your
   doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using
   during your treatment with rosuvastatin, especially:
     * colchicine;
     * cyclosporine;
     * another "statin" medicine--atorvastatin, lovastatin,
       simvastatin, Lipitor, Pravachol, Zocor,
       Vytorin, and others;
     * antifungal medicine--fluconazole, itraconazole,
       ketoconazole;
     * antiviral medicine to treat HIV or hepatitis C--atazanavir,
       fosamprenavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, simeprevir, tipranavir, and
       others;
     * a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;
     * other cholesterol medications--fenofibrate, gemfibrozil; or
     * medicines that contain niacin or nicotinic acid--vitamin B3,
       Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor,
       Slo-Niacin, and others.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with rosuvastatin,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Crestor)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about rosuvastatin.
     __________________________________________________________________

   Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
   children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
   medication only for the indication prescribed.
   Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by
   Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
   but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
   herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
   use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
   therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United
   States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
   Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
   recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
   resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
   for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
   supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill,
   knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a
   warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be
   construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe,
   effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume
   any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the
   aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is
   not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions,
   warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If
   you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
   doctor, nurse or pharmacist.