Crestor 5 mg (Rosuvastatin 5 mg)
What is Crestor 5 mg?
Crestor 5 mg 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 to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood and to slow the build-up of plaque (fatty deposits) in your 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 used in adults and children who are at least 8 years old. Rosuvastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Crestor 5 mg?
This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects.Do not use rosuvastatin if you are pregnant. You should not take rosuvastatin if you have liver disease, or if you breast-feeding a baby.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Crestor 5 mg?
You should not take Crestor 5 mg if you are allergic to it, or if you have: liver disease; or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. To make sure rosuvastatin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: a history of liver disease; a history of 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. People of Asian descent may absorb Crestor 5 mg 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. 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).
This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not take Crestor 5 mg if you are pregnant. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control to avoid 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.
How should I take Crestor 5 mg?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. 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 Crestor 5 mg , 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.
What happens if I miss a dose?
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?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Crestor 5 mg?
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 Crestor 5 mg. 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.
Common side effects
Memory loss, Joint pain, Confusion, Constipation, Depression, Dizziness, Headache, Insomnia, Stomach pain
What other drugs will affect Crestor 5 mg?
Using certain other drugs together with Crestor 5 mg 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, ipitor, 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.
Expert advice for Crestor
- Watch out for Muscle Symptoms. Please consult your doctor if you have any unexplained muscle pain,weakness or tenderness.
- Liver enzyme monitoring. Monitor liver enzymes before and after treatment. It can increase liver enzymes.
- Consult your doctor if you notice dark urine or yellowing of eyes or skin.
- It can cause or worsen diabetes so appropiate precautions should be taken
- Do not take antacids for atleast 2 hours before and after taking this drug.
- Do not take rosuvastatin if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Crestor 5 mg or any of the other ingredients of rosuvastatin.
- Do not take this drug if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
FAQs
Q: Is Crestor 5 mg lipophilic?
A: No. It is hydrophilic in nature.
Q: Is rosuvastatin safe?
A: Rosuvastatin is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.
Q: Is Crestor 5 mg gluten free?
A: Yes, rosuvastatin is gluten free.
Q: Is rosuvastatin better than simvastatin?
A: Crestor 5 mg is better than simvastatin as this is longer acting, more potent and has less side effects.
Although, Rosuvastatin and simvastatin belong to same class of medication called as HMG CoA reductase inhibitor (or statins) with similar action
