Crestor Now Approved for Use in Children and Teenagers

AstraZeneca released a statement today that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Crestor (rosuvastatin) in children and teenagers aged 10-17 years with familial hypercholesterolemia. This inherited condition causes dangerously high LDL, or "bad", cholesterol levels and increases the risk of developing heart disease. The FDA approved the new indication based upon the PLUTO study (Pediatric Lipid-Reduction Trial of Rosuvastatin), which examined the effectiveness and safety of Crestor in children with this condition. Crestor is a statin that has already been approved for use in adults to lower cholesterol levels. According to AstraZeneca, the drug will only be indicated in children trying to lower LDL cholesterol when diet does not work.

• What Is Familial Hypercholesterolemia?
• Crestor: Basic Information