Crestor (Rosuvastatin Calcium)

Description

Chemical Name: Rosuvastatin Calcium (roe-SUE-vuh-stah-tin)

Crestor tablets CANNOT be split

Crestor is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and therefore the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.

Directions

It is imperative to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your physician and the directions on your prescription label. Do not take in excess amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your physician.

Generally, it's taken daily with water. Patients may take the medication with or without food. It is important to take it regularly to get the maximum benefit of the medication.

This medication is only part of a complete program of treatment. Patients should supplement their medication with a healthy diet, exercise and weight control.

There are several things to avoid while taking this medication:

• Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. CRESTOR will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if patients do not follow a cholesterol-lowering meal plan.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication as it can increase triglyceride levels and possibly damage your liver.
• Avoid using antacids without your physician's advice. Consult your physician about which type of antacid is right for you. Do not take the antacid within 2 hours after taking CRESTOR as it contains different chemicals.

Cautions

Consult your physician before you start taking CRESTOR to confirm that you are not allergic to it or any other chemicals contained in this medicine. Inform your physician of any medications that you are taking, including prescription, non-prescription and/or herbal supplements. Clinical studies have informed physicians that individuals of Asian descent may absorb the chemical called rosuvastatin - which is the main ingredient of CRESTOR - at a higher rate than others. Ensure your physician is informed of your ethnicity as you may require a lower dose to start this medicine.

Do not take this medication if:

• you are allergic to CRESTOR, rosuvastatin or any other chemical contained in the medicine
• you have liver disease
• you are pregnant or breast-feeding

• kidney disease
• underactive thyroid
• a muscle disorder
• epilepsy or seizure disorder
• an electrolyte imbalance
• a severe infection or illness
• had a recent surgery or medical emergency

Side Effects

Some rare side effects that may occur while taking this medication include:

• constipation
• stomach pain
• upset stomach
• heartburn
• diarrhea
• weakness
• dizziness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• depression
• back pain
• joint pain or weakness
• sore throat, runny or stuffy nose
• memory loss

• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine
• urinating more or less than usual, or not at all
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• chest pain
• swelling in your hands or feet
• pain or burning when you urinate

**Please note this is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your physician for medical advice about side effects.