Crestor is the brand name for rosuvastatin, a prescription medication used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors), which work by blocking an enzyme in the liver responsible for producing cholesterol.
Key Aspects of Crestor:
- Uses:
- Lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Raises “good” HDL cholesterol.
- Helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related complications in people with risk factors like high cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
- How It Works:
- Crestor reduces cholesterol production in the liver by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. This leads to a reduction in cholesterol buildup in arteries, helping to prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries).
- Dosage:
- Usually taken once daily, with or without food. The dosage depends on the patient’s cholesterol levels and other medical conditions.
- Common Side Effects:
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Serious Side Effects (rare):
- Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
- Liver damage
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Precautions:
- Patients with liver disease, kidney disease, or those who consume large amounts of alcohol should use Crestor cautiously.
- Regular monitoring of liver function and cholesterol levels is recommended.
- Drug Interactions:
- May interact with other cholesterol-lowering medications, certain antibiotics, and anticoagulants (blood thinners).
Crestor is commonly prescribed as part of a comprehensive plan to manage cholesterol, which includes diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
