Drug trade name- Crestor
Category-Reduces cholesterol
Generic name- Rosuvastatin
Group- Statins
Introduction and quick information:
Crestor is a medication that helps in lowering the level of cholesterols. It helps to lower down “bad” cholesterol LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and raises the “good” cholesterol HDL (high-density lipoprotein) produced by the liver. If the cholesterol level is lowered then the risk of getting stroke, vascular diseases and heart attack is decreased as well. Adding improved nutritional diet with less saturated fats and exercises along with Crestor can also slow down the development of atherosclerosis. Crestor also helps in reducing triglycerides in the blood.
Is it approved by FDA?
On Feb 8 FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved Crestor for treating people complaining of high cholesterol related issues.
Usage and Benefits of Crestor:
Crestor comes from the drug class called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors or commonly known as statins. It is mainly used to lower the risk of heart diseases for people who are more inclined to get it but is not diagnosed with it; which is done by lowering down the bad cholesterol level that is LDL which is produced by liver.
- It is used as a medication to lower the cholesterol (LDL) level which in turn lessens the risk of heart diseases.
- It also helps us in raising good cholesterol level that is HDL
- It is used to lower down triglycerides in the blood.
- Crestor also helps to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis. related to hardening of arteries.
- It lessens the possibility of stroke, heart attack or any other heart disease.
This drug has proven to be beneficial for people who are fighting to cut down on their cholesterol levels and with a moderate diet plan and some exercises it also slows down the development of atherosclerosis.
Side effects of Crestor:
If you have any of these below-listed signs or any kind of allergic reactions to Crestor seek medical help immediately:
- Tenderness, or weakness
- unusual tiredness, weight gain, swelling
- Fever or flu symptoms, itching, dark-colored urine or urinating less than usual or not at all
- Upper stomach pain, weight gain, loss of appetite or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
- Nausea
- headache
- constipation
- Stomach ache or indigestion
- muscle pain (mild)
- joint pain
General recommended dosages of Crestor:
Crestor may not be right for everybody especially if you are allergic to Crestor, pregnant or have a liver problem. So it is recommended that people take Crestor as prescribed by their doctor, don’t take it in larger or smaller amount or longer than prescribed by your doctor. It is generally taken once daily with or without food at the same time everyday.
In case I miss the Dose?
In case you miss the dose of Crestor you can take it as soon as you remember it on the same day, if you don’t remember it till the next day it’s better to skip the dose and take your next day routine dose but don’t take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
In case I take overdose?
As this drug is a prescribed drug it is always better to be cautious and call for medical help immediately if you have overdosed.
Drug interactions of Crestor
It is always advised that before undergoing any medical treatment always search for drug interaction as it will save the risk of getting into any sort of trouble or bad health conditions. So here are some drugs listed below which can react with Crestor and can prove fatal:
Birth control pills
Antacids
Cimetidine (Tagamet®)
Cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®)
gemfibrozil (Lopid)
fenofibrate (Antara, Fenoglide, Lipofen, Lofibra, Tricor, Triglide)
atazanavir (Reyataz)
ritonavir (Norvir)
saquinavir (Invirase)
Other statin or (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) medications such as:
Simvastatin (Zocor®)
Fluvastatin (Lescol®, Lescol® XL)
Lovastatin (Altoprev™, Mevacor®)
Atorvastatin (Lipitor®)
Pravastatin (Pravachol®)
Lifestyle and food habits you must follow when on Crestor
It is true that some precautions are needed to be taken when you are on Crestor.
- Grapefruit items or juice have a little effect on the blood levels of Crestor.
- Asian people are particularly sensitive to the reactions of Crestor and need lower dosages.
- Regular exercising along with cessation of smoking.
- Administration of Crestor from the antacids should be separated (give 2 hours apart).
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol as it increases triglycerides and may increase the possibilities of liver problems.
- Avoid consuming high saturated fat or high cholesterol foods as it can make crestor useless or ineffective to lower down the bad cholesterol level.
How safe is Crestor for pregnant women or Nursing Mothers?
Before taking any drug during pregnancy it is imperative to seek help of the physician and only those medicines should be taken which are prescribed by the physician. However, it is true not to use Crestor at the time of pregnancy as it can be harmful to the fetus. As by the FDA itself, it has been put in category X in pregnancy. So it is advised to avoid becoming pregnant if you are taking Crestor and plan for your baby after your treatment is complete.
Complications and Conditions possible due to prolonged use of Crestor
The regular use of Crestor is good as it maintains your cholesterol but only as per the given instructions.. Along with the medication, regular blood tests are need to be done to check the effects. The doctor might change your dosages occasionally to get the maximum effects within a short span of treatment regime. You need to follow the instructions given on your prescription label for a better and effective outcome
Availability of the drug Crestor:
Crestor is a prescription medicine. It is available on authorized online stores too
but only after giving the proper information about your case and your prescription.