Crestor

What is Crestor for?

Crestor is used to treat high cholesterol. Cholesterol is produced naturally by the liver and is also present in fatty foods. When the cholesterol level in the body is too high this causes the blood cells to carry excess fat, increasing your risk of heart disease. 

How does Crestor work?

Crestor is a type of medicine called a Statin which works by decreasing the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol within the blood. It also helps the cholesterol which has built up in the arteries be reabsorbed by the body. This is more commonly known as LDL cholesterol, or ‘bad’ cholesterol and over time it can narrow and harden the blood vessels, leading to cardiovascular disease.

How long does it take for Crestor to work?

It usually takes up to six weeks for Crestor to have an effect on your cholesterol levels. After this, you can expect your cholesterol to be more stable.

How do I know if Crestor is working?

Having a blood test to check up on your cholesterol levels will determine whether or not Crestor is working for you. Your doctor will invite you to have a check up after the first eight weeks of taking Crestor. After that you'll usually have a test once a year to monitor the cholesterol level in your blood. 

Active ingredients

The active ingredient in the medicine is rosuvastatin. 

Inactive ingredients

The other ingredients contained in Crestor are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium phosphate, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, triacetin, titanium dioxide (E171). 

How to take Crestor

Crestor should be taken daily, around the same time each day, with or without food. Always follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. 

Crestor dosage

The starting dose is usually 5-10mg but your dose may be increased depending on your cholesterol levels and overall health. The maximum dose is 40mg.

Lifestyle changes to make when taking Crestor

There are several lifestyle changes which you can make to help reduce your cholesterol to a healthy level alongside Crestor. These include eating a healthy diet that's low in fat, losing weight if you are overweight, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol intake and stopping smoking. 

Crestor side effects

There are a range of possible side effects when taking Crestor. Common side effects include: 

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Stomach pain
• Constipation 
• Muscular pain 
• Diabetes

Less common side effects may include:

• Increased protein in the urine
• Itchiness or a rash
• Muscle damage- characterised by unusual aches and pains which last for a long time
• Inflamed pancreas 
• Increased levels of liver enzymes in the blood
• Severe allergic reaction- Swollen face, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing and severe itchiness

If you experience an allergic reaction then seek immediate medical attention.   

Contraindications

You should not take Crestor if: 

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have kidney problems or liver disease
• You have recurring muscle aches and pains
• You are taking ciclosporin

If any of the following apply to you then you should inform your doctor before taking Crestor as extra caution may be needed: 

• If you have problems with your thyroid gland
• If you drink a lot of alcohol 
• If you are taking any other medication to lower your cholesterol 
• If you are taking medication to treat HIV
• If you have taken fusidic acid in the past 7 days
• If you are over 70 years of age
• If you have severe respiratory failure
• If you are of Asian origin  

Drug interactions

You should always inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines before starting to take something new to be sure that the combination is safe. Certain drugs can interact with the way Crestor works. These are:

• Ciclosporin 
• Medicines which thin the blood such as Warfarin
• Fibrates 
• Other medication which lowers cholesterol 
• Remedies for indigestion 
• Erythromycin 
• The contraceptive pill
• Regorafenib 
• Hormone replacement therapy 
• HIV and hepatitis C medication   

Crestor and alcohol

You will need to limit your alcohol intake while taking Crestor as it could have a negative impact on your liver. It's recommended not to exceed two alcoholic drinks per day.

Foods to avoid when taking Crestor

There are no foods you need to avoid while taking Crestor. Grapefruit juice often interacts with statins but it does not affect Crestor. 

Can Crestor cause weight gain?

Crestor doesn't directly cause weight gain but the side effects may discourage your physical activity, particularly if you experience muscle ache. Maintaining a healthy diet is important to avoid gaining weight if you don't feel able to exercise enough. 

Will Crestor affect my sleep?

Unlike other types of statins, Crestor has not been shown to affect your sleep.

Lifestyle changes to help reduce cholesterol

Your lifestyle can have an impact on your cholesterol. Eating a low fat diet, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and quitting smoking are all factors which will positively impact your cholesterol. 

Crestor vs other statins

Crestor is slightly more potent than other statins. It takes effect in the body right away, whereas other types of statins need to be broken down through the gut first. Crestor is less likely to react with other types of medication and there is less chance of experiencing muscular or nerve related side effects in comparison to other statins.   

Alternatives to Crestor

Atorvastatin is another high-intensity Statin of a similar strength. Pravastatin and Simvastatin are two other available statins but these are known as low-intensity so may not be as effective as Crestor.   

Switching statins

Statins are very effective but they may not agree with everyone. If you have been prescribed a Statin to manage your cholesterol, your doctor will assess your medical history and symptoms to determine which one may be most suitable. If you experience unpleasant side effects, or your medication isn't working, then report this to your doctor who may issue you with a different type of Statin or other form of cholesterol lowering medication. Always follow the advice of a doctor in these circumstances. 

Will I have to take Crestor forever?

You will probably need to take Crestor for the rest of your life. The medicine is designed for long term use so it will only be effective if you keep taking it.

How does Crestor affect the liver?

One of the more serious side effects of Crestor is developing liver disease. Before being prescribed the medication, your doctor may do a blood test to check the health of your liver and monitor your side effects once you begin treatment. Although it's not common, indicators of liver disease include jaundiced skin or eyes, tiredness, upper abdominal pain, dark coloured urine and a loss of appetite. If this is a concern then discuss this with your doctor before taking Crestor.  

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet
• NHS > Statins
• British Heart Foundation > Statins
• Healthline > Crestor
• Medicinenet.com > What are Simvastatin and Crestor?
• Everyday Health > Crestor
• Huffington Post > Statins linked to nightmares and insomnia