Rosuvastatin (brand name: Crestor) is the latest statin approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is also the most potent statin available on the U.S. market. Studies have shown that rosuvastatin can significantly lower LDL by between 45 and 65% - more so than equal doses of other statins. It also lowers triglycerides and raises HDL levels. Unfortunately, rosuvastatin is not available in generic at this time.
Rosuvastatin blocks the enzyme "3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase," which is an important protein needed in the production of cholesterol.
This medication may be taken with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider.
The following groups of people should not take Crestor/rosuvastatin:
- Individuals who have had an allergic reaction to rosuvastatin or any of its components.
- Women who are pregnant.
- Women who are breastfeeding.
- Individuals who have active liver disease or have abnormally high liver enzyme levels.
- Individuals who have a history of alcohol abuse.
The most common side effects include headache, rash, pharyngitis and gastrointestinal problems (such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or gastroenteritis).
The following are serious side effects of rosuvastatin. Should you experience any of these rare side effects, contact your health care provider immediately:
- myopathy- such as progressive muscle soreness or weakness
- red or brown colored urine
The following drugs may interact with Crestor. If you are required to take one of the drugs listed below, your health care provider may need to adjust your dose, monitor you more closely for side effects, or discontinue one of the drugs:
- Warfarin - may increase the anticoagulation ability of Warfarin
- Fibrates - may increase likelihood of experiencing side effects
- Nicotinic acid - may increase likelihood of experiencing side effects
- Oral contraceptives - may increase the concentration of these hormones in the body.
- Cyclosporine - may increase concentrations of Crestor in the blood.Drugs That May Decrease Effectiveness of Crestor:
- Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum hydroxide may decrease the concentration of rosuvastatin in the blood. In order to avoid this interaction, separate your rosuvastatin dose and antacid dose by at least two hours.
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs, like bile acid sequestrants may reduce the absorption of rosuvastatin into the blood. In order to avoid this, separate your rosuvastatin dose and bile acid sequestrant dose by at least four hours.
Disclaimer:This information is just a brief listing and is not inclusive and should not replace the information provided by your health care provider or the manufacturer of this drug.
Sources:
Dipiro JT, Talbert RL. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiological Approach, 6th ed 2005.
Lacy CF, Armstrong LL, Goldman MP, et al. Lexicomp's Drug Information Handbook, 15th ed 2007.
McKenney JM. Efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin in treatment of dyslipidemia. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 62(10):1033-47.
- Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum hydroxide may decrease the concentration of rosuvastatin in the blood. In order to avoid this interaction, separate your rosuvastatin dose and antacid dose by at least two hours.
