Reviewed by Dr Samantha Miller MB ChB
(2017, University of Glasgow)
GMC number: 7561464
Information last reviewed 05/09/2021
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.
Crestor is a type of medicine called a statin that decreases 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.
It usually takes up to four weeks for Crestor to affect your cholesterol levels. After this, you can expect your cholesterol to be more stable.
Having a blood test to check 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 four to eight weeks of taking Crestor. After that, once you are on a stable dose, you'll usually have a test once a year to monitor the cholesterol level in your blood.
Dose |
5-10mg, taken once per day at the same time each day |
Type of Medicine |
Statin |
Mechanism |
Inhibits the enzyme which creates cholesterol, allowing the precursor compounds to be reabsorbed by the body |
Available Size |
84 tablets |
Available Strengths |
5mg, 10mg, 20mg or 40mg |
Active Ingredient |
Rosuvastatin |
Price |
From 83p per tablet |
Side Effects |
Can include abdominal pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, joint pain and inflammation, muscle aches, dizziness, flatulence, headache |
The active ingredient in the medicine is rosuvastatin.
The other ingredients contained in Crestor are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium phosphate, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, triacetin, titanium dioxide (E171).
Note: inactive ingredients may differ depending on formulation and dose.
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.
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.
There are several lifestyle changes that you can make to help reduce your cholesterol to a healthy level alongside Crestor. These include eating a healthy diet low in fat, losing weight if you are overweight, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol intake and stopping smoking.
Like all medications, Crestor can cause side effects in some patients. If you experience either of the following, stop taking this medication and consult a doctor immediately:
If you experience either of the following, stop taking this medication and consult a doctor immediately:
Common or very common side effects
Uncommon
Rare or very rare
Frequency not known
Do NOT take Crestor if you are:
Before taking Crestor, tell your doctor and take special care if you:
Before taking Crestor, tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medications, including those purchased over the counter without a prescription. In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following, as they may interfere with the way Crestor works:
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.
There are no foods you need to avoid while taking Crestor. Grapefruit juice often interacts with statins but does not affect Crestor.
Crestor doesn't directly cause weight gain, but the side effects may discourage your physical activity, particularly if you experience muscle aches. Maintaining a healthy diet is important to avoid gaining weight if you don't feel able to exercise enough.
Crestor has not been shown to affect your sleep.
Atorvastatin is another high-intensity Statin of similar strength. Pravastatin and simvastatin are two other available statins, but these are known as low-intensity, so they may not be as effective as Crestor.
Crestor is more potent than some other statins. It takes effect in the body right away, whereas other statins may need to be broken down through the gut first. As a result, Crestor is less likely to react with other types of medication, and there may be less chance of experiencing muscular or nerve-related side effects than other 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, report this to your doctor, who may issue you with a different type of statin or another form of cholesterol-lowering medication. Always follow the advice of a doctor in these circumstances.
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 that will positively impact your cholesterol.
You will probably need to take Crestor, or another statin, 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.
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.
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