Crestor is a brand-name prescription drug. It’s FDA-approved to:

Crestor is approved to treat or help prevent these conditions in certain situations. For more details about Crestor’s uses and its limitation of use, see the “Crestor uses” section below.

* Lipids are fats in your blood, such as cholesterol and triglycerides.

Drug details

Crestor comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in four strengths: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. Crestor belongs to a class of drugs called statins.

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of Crestor, see the “Crestor uses” section below.

Crestor is a brand-name drug that contains the active drug rosuvastatin. This active drug is also available as a generic medication. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you’re interested in taking the generic form of Crestor, talk with your doctor. They can tell you if it comes in forms and strengths that can be used for your condition.

Crestor can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Crestor. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

The side effects of Crestor are expected to be the same regardless of the strength you take. For example, in clinical trials, the side effects of Crestor 5 milligrams (mg) were similar to those reported for the drug’s other strengths.

For more information about the possible side effects of Crestor, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Crestor, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Crestor. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Crestor’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Crestor can include:

  • headache
  • pain in your abdomen
  • weakness
  • nausea
  • muscle pain
  • dizziness
  • mild allergic reaction*

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about allergic reaction and Crestor, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Crestor aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • Liver damage. Symptoms may include:
    • fatigue
    • urine that’s darker than usual
    • swelling in your abdomen or lower legs
  • Severe myopathy (muscle problems). Symptoms can include:
    • intense muscle pain
    • severe muscle cramping
    • muscle weakness
  • Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue), which may be life threatening. Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis can include:
    • intense pain or cramps in your muscles
    • muscle weakness or stiffness
    • exhaustion
    • urine that’s dark or reddish in color
    • producing less urine than usual
  • Increased blood sugar levels, which may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
  • Severe allergic reaction.*

* For details about allergic reaction and Crestor, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Side effects in children

Crestor is FDA-approved to lower cholesterol levels in:

  • children ages 8 years and older with an inherited type of high cholesterol called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)*
  • children ages 7 years and older with an inherited type of high cholesterol called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH)*

In clinical trials, side effects in children given 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, or 20 mg of Crestor were similar to those in children who were given a placebo. (A placebo is a treatment with no active drug.) And these side effects were similar to those reported in adults.

* Crestor is approved to treat these conditions in certain situations. For more information about Crestor’s uses in children, see the “Crestor uses” section below.

ALLERGIC REACTION

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Crestor. This was not a common side effect in clinical trials of this drug.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing
  • hives

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Crestor, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

The Crestor dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Crestor to treat
  • your age
  • whether you’re of Asian descent*
  • other medical conditions you may have
  • other drugs you may be taking
  • your body’s response to the drug

Typically, your doctor will start you on a moderate dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the lowest effective dose of Crestor. This means they’ll aim for the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

* Clinical trials have shown that the level of Crestor in the body remains higher in people of Asian descent. Because of this, doctors typically prescribe a lower dose of the drug for this group of people.

Drug forms

Crestor comes as an oral tablet.

Drug strengths (5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg)

Crestor is available in four strengths: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg.

Dosage for high cholesterol

For treating high cholesterol, the typical starting dosage of Crestor in adults is 10 mg to 20 mg once daily.

After 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, your doctor will order a blood test called a lipid panel to check how well the drug is working. If your lipid (fat) levels aren’t within your goal range, your doctor may increase your dosage.

The maximum dose of Crestor is 40 mg. This dose is only for people who tried the 20-mg dose but their LDL cholesterol level* wasn’t lowered enough. Your doctor can tell you more about the goal range for your levels of cholesterol and other lipids.

* “LDL” is short for low-density lipoprotein, which is also called “bad” cholesterol.

Dosage for reducing risk of cardiovascular disease

For reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, the typical starting dosage of Crestor in adults is 10 mg to 20 mg once daily.

After 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, your doctor will order a blood test called a lipid panel to check how well the drug is working. If your lipid levels aren’t within your goal range, your doctor may increase your dosage.

The maximum dose of Crestor is 40 mg. The maximum dose is only for people who tried the 20-mg dose but their LDL cholesterol level wasn’t lowered enough. Your doctor can tell you more about the goal range for your levels of cholesterol and other lipids.

Children’s dosage

Crestor is used to lower cholesterol levels in children ages 8 years and older with an inherited kind of high cholesterol known as heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). The drug is also used for this purpose in children ages 7 years and older with an inherited type of high cholesterol called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH).

For children with HeFH, the recommended dosage of Crestor is:

  • 5 mg to 10 mg once per day in children ages 8 and 9 years
  • 5 mg to 20 mg once per day in children ages 10 to 17 years

For children with HoFH who are ages 7 years and older, the recommended dosage of Crestor is 20 mg once per day.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Crestor, take it as soon as possible. However, you should not take two doses of the drug within a 12-hour period. Taking two doses too close to each other can increase your risk of side effects. (For details about side effects, see the “Crestor side effects” section above.)

For example, suppose you typically take your dose of Crestor at 8 a.m. every morning. One day, you forget and take it at 9 p.m. instead. The next day, you should not take Crestor until 9 a.m. or later.

If you miss a dose and feel unsure about when to take it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Will I need to take this drug long term?

Crestor is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Crestor is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Crestor.

What side effects does Crestor cause in women?

Crestor’s potential side effects are the same for females and males.* Clinical trials of the drug’s effects in females and males did not show any differences. (For details about side effects, see the “Crestor side effects” section above.)

However, people who are able to become pregnant should use birth control during Crestor treatment. This is because the drug may cause harmful effects in a developing fetus if taken during pregnancy. (To learn more, see the “Crestor and birth control” and “Crestor and pregnancy” sections below.)

If you have additional questions about what to expect with Crestor, talk with your doctor and pharmacist.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Is Crestor a statin? Is it a blood thinner?

Crestor belongs to a class of drugs called statins, so it’s considered to be a statin. Crestor is not a blood thinner.

Statins are medications used to help lower the level of cholesterol in your blood. Blood thinners are used to help prevent and treat blood clots. Both statins and blood thinners help decrease the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as stroke and heart attack.

Your doctor and pharmacist can help answer other questions you have about Crestor.

Can Crestor cause weight gain?

Weight changes weren’t reported among adults who took Crestor in clinical trials. However, it isn’t known whether body weight was measured during these trials.

In clinical trials of children given Crestor, the drug was shown to have no effect on growth, weight, or body mass index (BMI). The children were ages 10 to 17 years.

It’s possible that some of Crestor’s side effects may lead to weight gain. For example, if you have muscle pain from taking the drug, you may exercise less than usual. Less physical activity could lead to weight gain.

If you’re concerned about weight gain while taking Crestor, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to help you manage your weight.

Does CoQ10 interact with Crestor?

No, CoQ10 supplements should not interact with Crestor.

Your body naturally produces the chemical coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10. It has many important functions in the body, such as protecting cells. CoQ10 is also found in certain foods, such as spinach, and is available as a dietary supplement.

Statins, such as Crestor, reduce the body’s production of CoQ10. This is due to how statins work in the body to lower cholesterol. Some older research suggests a connection between low CoQ10 levels and muscle-related side effects of statins, such as muscle pain.

However, CoQ10 supplements have not been proven to help prevent or relieve muscle problems in people taking statins. This is according to the American Heart Association (AHA). The AHA also states that muscle pain in people taking a statin is not usually caused by the drug. Other causes of muscle discomfort may include a new or strenuous exercise program, for example.

You can talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have additional questions.

You may wonder how Crestor compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. To find out how Crestor and Lipitor are alike and different in terms of side effects and other factors, see this article.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Crestor to treat certain conditions. Crestor may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Crestor comes with a limitation of use. The drug hasn’t been studied in people with certain lipid disorders.* These include Fredrickson type 1 and 5 lipid disorders. So it isn’t known whether Crestor is safe or effective for use in people with these disorders.

* Lipids are types of fats. Lipid disorders occur when the levels of certain lipids become too high or too low in your blood.

Crestor for high cholesterol

In adults, Crestor is FDA-approved to:

  • Manage levels of lipids in adults with primary hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) or a genetic disorder called mixed hyperlipidemia. Specifically, the drug is used in combination with diet changes* to:
    • reduce levels of apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB, a protein that helps carry lipids through your body)
  • Treat high triglyceride levels in adults when used with diet changes.*
  • Treat primary dysbetalipoproteinemia, also called type 3 hyperlipoproteinemia (an inherited condition that causes high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides). For this purpose, Crestor is used with diet changes.*
  • Lower cholesterol levels in adults with an inherited type of high cholesterol called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Specifically, the drug is used to reduce the levels of total and LDL cholesterol, and ApoB. For this purpose, Crestor may be prescribed alone or in combination with other types of treatments, such as LDL apheresis. (With LDL apheresis, a machine pumps your blood through a filter to remove excess LDL cholesterol.)*

* For details, see the “Crestor use with other treatments” section below.

High cholesterol explained

Lipids are types of fats. Your body needs lipids for many important functions, such as digesting foods. Lipid disorders occur when the blood levels of certain lipids become too high or too low. One example is hypercholesterolemia, commonly known as high cholesterol.

High cholesterol and other lipid disorders are often called silent conditions. This is because they don’t cause symptoms. However, having too much fat in your blood increases your risk of serious health problems. An example of such a problem is cardiovascular disease, which may be life threatening.

To help prevent serious health problems, your doctor will use a blood test to screen you for lipid disorders. The test is called a lipid panel and it measures the levels of different types of lipids in your blood. The lipids in your blood come from two main sources: your diet and your body’s natural production of cholesterol.

If your lipid levels are too high, your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes first. These may include increasing your physical activity and following a diet that’s low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

For some people, these lifestyle changes aren’t enough to get lipids within a healthy range. Fortunately, several effective medications are available to manage high cholesterol and other lipid disorders. One such medication is Crestor.

You can learn more about your condition by visiting our cholesterol hub.

Effectiveness for high cholesterol

In clinical trials, Crestor has been shown to be effective for treating high cholesterol and certain other lipid disorders in adults. For details about how Crestor performed in these trials, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Crestor for atherosclerosis

Crestor is FDA-approved for use in adults to slow the progression (worsening) of a condition called atherosclerosis. Specifically, the drug is used in combination with diet changes to help reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels. (For more about diet changes, see the “Crestor use with other treatments” section below.)

Atherosclerosis explained

With atherosclerosis (also called arteriosclerosis), the walls of your arteries become hard due to plaque buildup. Plaque refers to fatty deposits that can form if you have too much cholesterol in your blood.

Atherosclerosis doesn’t cause symptoms. However, over time plaque buildup causes your arteries to become narrow, restricting blood flow. This can lead to life threatening complications, such as stroke and heart attack.

To help prevent atherosclerosis from worsening, doctors typically try to lower cholesterol with statin drugs, such as Crestor.

To learn more about your condition, see our cholesterol and cardiovascular health hubs.

Effectiveness for atherosclerosis

In clinical trials, Crestor has been shown to be an effective treatment for slowing the progression of atherosclerosis in adults. For details on how Crestor performed in these trials, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Crestor for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease

Crestor is also FDA-approved to help prevent cardiovascular disease in certain adults at risk of coronary heart disease. Specifically, the drug is approved to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and certain vascular procedures in some people. (Vascular refers to circulation.) People receiving this treatment meet certain criteria:

  • Females* are ages 60 years or older, and males* are ages 50 years or older.
  • They have a high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) level of at least 2 milligrams per liter (mg/L) as detected by a blood test. CRP is a protein your body makes when blood vessel walls are inflamed.
  • They have at least one additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease, such as:
    • smoking
    • family history of early coronary heart disease

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Cardiovascular disease explained

Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Examples of these conditions include heart attack and stroke, which can be life threatening.

Cardiovascular disease may have no symptoms. When they do occur, they can differ depending on the specific condition. In general, symptoms of cardiovascular disease may include:

  • chest pressure or pain
  • feeling dizzy
  • nausea
  • feeling short of breath
  • pain in the jaw, back, left shoulder, arms, or elbows

In some cases, doctors will need to perform vascular procedures to improve blood flow in arteries that supply your heart and other vital organs. The medical term for this is arterial revascularization. The use of Crestor may help reduce the need for such procedures.

You can learn more about your condition by seeing our cardiovascular health hub.

Effectiveness for cardiovascular disease

In clinical trials, Crestor has been shown to be effective for helping prevent cardiovascular disease in certain adults. Specifically, the drug is effective for reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and arterial revascularization in this group. For details on how Crestor performed in these trials, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Crestor and children

Crestor is FDA-approved for use in children ages 8 years and older with an inherited type of high cholesterol called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). Specifically, the drug is prescribed in combination with diet changes* to:

For this use, Crestor is typically prescribed if either of the following apply:

  • The child’s LDL levels are higher than 190 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL) after trying diet changes alone.
  • Diet changes help lower the LDL level, but it’s higher than 160 mg/dL, and the child has other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. These risk factors can include high blood pressure and obesity.

Crestor is also approved to lower cholesterol levels in children ages 7 years and older with an inherited kind of high cholesterol known as homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). Specifically, the drug is prescribed to reduce the levels of total and LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and ApoB.

For this use, Crestor may be prescribed alone or in combination with other treatments,* such as LDL apheresis. (With LDL apheresis, a machine pumps the child’s blood through a filter to remove excess LDL cholesterol.)

For details about these conditions, see “Crestor for high cholesterol” above.

If you have questions about how Crestor is used for your child’s condition, talk with their doctor.

* For details, see the “Crestor use with other treatments” section right below.

Crestor is used to manage lipid (fat) levels in people with certain forms of high cholesterol. The drug is also used to slow the worsening of a condition called atherosclerosis. (For more details, see the “Crestor uses” section above.)

If your cholesterol levels are too high or you have atherosclerosis, your doctor will likely recommend certain lifestyle changes. These include increasing your physical activity and following a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat.

For some people, lifestyle changes aren’t enough to reduce cholesterol to a healthy range. In this case, doctors may prescribe Crestor in combination with a low cholesterol diet. Foods typically avoided on a low cholesterol diet include full fat dairy, fried foods, and fatty cuts of red meat. Foods usually encouraged on this diet include those high in fiber, such as nuts and legumes. (Beans are an example of legumes.)

Crestor is also used to reduce cholesterol levels in people with an inherited type of high cholesterol called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. For this purpose, Crestor may be prescribed alone or in combination with other cholesterol-lowering treatments.

One such treatment is LDL* apheresis. With this procedure, a machine pumps your blood through a filter to remove excess LDL cholesterol.

For more information about Crestor’s use with other treatments, talk with your doctor.

* “LDL” is short for low-density lipoprotein, which is also called “bad” cholesterol.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Crestor, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Alternatives for high cholesterol

Other types of drugs that may be used for high cholesterol include:

Alternatives for lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease

Examples of other statin drugs that may be used for lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease include:

  • atorvastatin (Lipitor)
  • fluvastatin (Lescol XL)
  • lovastatin (Altoprev)
  • pitavastatin (Livalo, Zypitamag)
  • pravastatin
  • rosuvastatin (Ezallor Sprinkle)
  • simvastatin (FloLipid, Zocor)

Crestor can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. Drug-condition interactions can also cause certain effects. For information about these interactions, see the “Crestor precautions” section below.

Crestor and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Crestor. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Crestor.

Before taking Crestor, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Examples of drugs that can interact with Crestor are listed below.

Certain drugs can increase the risk of side effects with Crestor. Taking Crestor with certain drugs can increase the risk of Crestor’s side effects, such as muscle problems. (For details about side effects, see the “Crestor side effects” section above.) Examples include:

Certain antacids. Drugs used to treat heartburn are known as antacids. Taking antacids that contain aluminum and magnesium within 2 hours of a Crestor dose could make Crestor less effective for treating your condition. Examples of these antacids include Maalox and Mylanta.

Warfarin. Taking Crestor with a blood thinner called warfarin (Jantoven) may increase the risk of side effects of warfarin.

If you have questions about drug interactions with Crestor that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Crestor and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Crestor. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Crestor.

Crestor and foods

Here’s some information about taking Crestor with certain foods and beverages.

Crestor and grapefruit

It should be safe to consume grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Crestor. Other statins are known to interact with grapefruit, but Crestor isn’t one of them.

Crestor and coffee

There are no known interactions between Crestor and coffee.

If you have questions about consuming coffee or other foods or drinks with Crestor, talk with your doctor.

Crestor and lab tests

In Crestor’s clinical trials, some people had unexpected results for certain urine tests. These include testing positive for both:

  • proteinuria (protein in the urine)
  • microscopic hematuria (very small amounts of blood in the urine)

These test results occurred more frequently in people taking the highest dose of Crestor: 40 milligrams (mg). This was compared with people taking lower strengths or other statins. The test results were generally temporary and didn’t cause any symptoms.

If you have your urine tested while taking Crestor, be sure to tell the healthcare professional ordering the test that you take this medication.

Moderate alcohol use should be safe while taking Crestor. Drinking in moderation typically means one drink or less per day for females and two drinks or fewer per day for males.*

Consuming more than this isn’t recommended while taking Crestor. Drinking too much alcohol may increase the risk of liver problems with the drug.

If you have questions about alcohol and Crestor, talk with your doctor.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Crestor does not cause drug dependence. With drug dependence, your body gets used to a drug and needs the drug to function as usual.

Also, stopping Crestor treatment should not cause withdrawal. With withdrawal, symptoms can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. Keep in mind that you should not stop taking Crestor without first talking with your doctor.

Crestor is meant to keep your lipid levels within a healthy range. (Lipids are fats in your blood, such as cholesterol and triglycerides.) If you stop Crestor treatment, your lipid levels could rise. This could increase the risk of serious health problems, such as stroke and heart attack. If you’d like to stop taking Crestor, your doctor may recommend a different treatment option.

Do not take more Crestor than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose. (For information on the recommended dosages of Crestor, see the “Crestor dosage” section above.)

What to do in case you take too much Crestor

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Statins, including Crestor, are not safe to take during pregnancy. They could cause harmful effects in a developing fetus. Because of this risk, doctors typically won’t prescribe the drug to people who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Instead, other treatments can be recommended.

If you become pregnant while taking Crestor, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely have you stop taking the drug. Your doctor can also advise you on other ways to manage your condition during this time.

Crestor is not safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking Crestor.

For more information about taking Crestor during pregnancy, see the “Crestor and pregnancy” section above.

For females taking Crestor. If you’re female* and can become pregnant, you should use an effective form of birth control while taking Crestor.

For males taking Crestor. The manufacturer of Crestor hasn’t given birth control recommendations for males* taking the drug. If you’re male and your partner can become pregnant, consult your doctor about your birth control needs while taking Crestor.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Statins, including Crestor, are not safe to take while breastfeeding. The drug passes into breast milk and could cause side effects in a breastfed child. Because of this risk, doctors typically won’t prescribe the drug to people who are breastfeeding. Instead, your doctor can recommend other ways to manage your condition until you’ve stopped breastfeeding. Or they may suggest other ways to feed your child.

You should take Crestor according to the instructions your doctor gives you.

Crestor comes as an oral tablet that you swallow.

When to take

You’ll likely take Crestor once per day.

There isn’t a best time of day to take the medication. However, taking Crestor around the same time each day helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body. This helps Crestor work effectively. It also helps to ensure that you do not take two doses of Crestor within 12 hours of each other. (For details, see “What if I miss a dose?” in the “Crestor dosage” section above.)

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Accessible labels and containers

If your prescription label is hard to read, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does.

If you have trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist if they can put Crestor in an easy-open container. They also may be able to recommend tools that can make it simpler to open lids.

Taking Crestor with food

You can take Crestor with or without food.

Can Crestor be crushed, split, or chewed?

No, you should swallow Crestor tablets whole. If you have trouble swallowing the tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

As with all medications, the cost of Crestor can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Crestor. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Crestor, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Crestor, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Crestor, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A savings card is available for Crestor. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 855-687-2151. A rebate offer is also available for the drug. To learn more, call 888-729-4100.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Mail-order pharmacies

Crestor may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Crestor, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic version

Crestor is available in a generic form called rosuvastatin. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of rosuvastatin compares to the cost of Crestor, talk with your pharmacist.

If your doctor has prescribed Crestor and you’re interested in taking rosuvastatin instead, talk with them. Your doctor may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one or the other.

Crestor helps treat certain lipid disorders. Lipids are types of fats in your blood, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Lipid disorders occur when the levels of certain lipids become too high or too low.

Crestor is also used to slow the worsening of a condition called atherosclerosis and help prevent cardiovascular disease in certain people. For details about the conditions Crestor is used for, see the “Crestor uses” section above.

Crestor belongs to a class of drugs called statins. These drugs work by blocking your body’s natural production of cholesterol in the liver. Specifically, statins block the action of an enzyme called HMGCR. An enzyme is a protein that activates certain chemical reactions or biological processes. And HMGCR is short for hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase.

HMGCR is responsible for a key step in making cholesterol and other lipids. By preventing this step, statins work to lower the levels of cholesterol and other lipids in the blood.

How long does it take to work?

Crestor takes about 2 to 4 weeks to work. After this time, your doctor will order a blood test called a lipid panel. The test checks how well the drug is working to manage your lipid levels.

If your lipid levels aren’t within your goal range, your doctor may increase your dosage. Then they’ll order another lipid panel to determine whether the drug is working. Your doctor will likely repeat this process until your body’s lipid levels are within your goal range or until the maximum dose of Crestor has been prescribed. Then your lipid panel will be checked from time to time for as long as you take the medication.

If you have questions about how Crestor works or what to expect during treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

This drug comes with several precautions. These are considered drug-condition interactions.

Before taking Crestor, talk with your doctor about your health history. Crestor may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include the ones listed below.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Crestor, see the “Crestor side effects” section above.

Liver problems, including alcohol-related liver disease. Crestor may cause liver problems. Doctors typically won’t prescribe the drug if you already have liver problems because Crestor may worsen them. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have active liver disease, which means you currently have symptoms. Examples of liver disease include hepatitis and alcohol-related liver disease that’s chronic (long term). Your doctor will likely recommend a different treatment option.

Older age. If you’re an older adult (ages 65 years or older), you may have an increased risk of muscle problems with Crestor. Your doctor can advise you on whether Crestor is right for you.

Kidney problems. If you have a kidney problem, such as chronic kidney disease, taking Crestor may increase your risk of certain side effects. An example is muscle pain. Before taking Crestor, be sure to tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease. They can help determine whether or not to prescribe Crestor.

Thyroid condition that isn’t managed well. Crestor may cause muscle problems. If you have hypothyroidism that isn’t managed well, you may have an increased risk of muscle problems. Because of this, your doctor may treat your thyroid condition before considering Crestor for you.

Asian descent. Clinical trials have shown that Crestor has stronger than expected effects in people who are Asian. If you’re of Asian descent, be sure to tell your doctor before you take Crestor. They’ll likely prescribe a lower dose of the drug to reduce the risk of side effects.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Crestor or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe the medication. Ask them about other medications that may be better options for you.

Pregnancy. Crestor is not safe to take while pregnant. For more information, see the “Crestor and pregnancy” section above.

Breastfeeding. Crestor is not safe to take while breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Crestor and breastfeeding” section above.

When you get Crestor from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good to use can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

You should store Crestor tablets at a room temperature of 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) in a tightly sealed container. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Crestor and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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