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Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) is a statin medication used to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients age 7 and up. The medication lowers levels of LDL cholesterol, thus slowing plaque buildup in arteries and reducing risk of a cardiovascular event. Diet and exercise changes are usually also recommended.

Patients of East-Asian (Oriental) lineage should note that lower doses of Crestor will likely be sufficient; dosage should generally not exceed 20 mg per day, while it may go up to 40 mg per day in other patients. This is because the medication is processed differently in Asians, and higher doses may produce serious side effects. Patients of mixed East-Asian lineage should discuss this issue with a doctor.

Crestor works by inhibiting production of LDL cholesterol in the liver, as well as encouraging the liver to break down LDL cholesterol already in the blood.

Getting Started with Crestor

Crestor comes in tablets, ranging in strength from 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. Tablets are typically taken once per day, with or without food according to personal preference. Tablets should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed.

In otherwise healthy adults of non-Asian lineage, treatment is typically:

• Start with 10 to 20 mg taken once daily.
• 10 to 20 mg are sufficient for the majority of patients.
• Those unable to control LDL cholesterol at those doses may be increased to 40 mg taken once daily.

For otherwise healthy adults of East-Asian lineage:

• Start with 5 mg taken once daily.
• If needed, dosage may be increased to 20 mg per day.

For otherwise healthy children:

• Ages 7 to 9 should take 5 to 10 mg once per day.
• Ages 10 to 17 should take 5 to 20 mg once per day.

Other major medical conditions and other medications can greatly influence Crestor dosage; it may be reduced down to 5 or 10 mg per day, depending on the condition or medication. Of particular concern are cylosporine, gemfibrozil, atazanavir, ritonavir, lopinavir, and simeprevir. Other medications may cause interactions as well; always check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments.

Antacids should be taken 2 hours before or after a dose of Crestor; these can inhibit absorption.

Treatment may continue for as long as it is needed, provided no serious side effects develop. Most patients notice measurable changes in LDL cholesterol levels within 2 to 4 weeks of starting treatment, though some may take a bit longer.

Adverse Effects

Most patients take Crestor with no issues; side effects are rare. Most are mild and transient, only cause for concern if persistant or severe. Most common are:

• Cough
• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Difficulty sleeping
• Joint pain
• Dizziness
• Mild forgetfulness
• Mild confusion

Even more rarely serious side effects develop. Seek medical attention if experiencing:

• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Muscle pain
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Dark or foamy urine
• Abdominal pain, especially that radiates to the back
• Chest pain
• Symptoms of infection; chills, fever, sore throat, etc.
• Loss of appetite

The above are not all side effects that might be experienced with Crestor. Don't be afraid to contact a doctor with any concerning symptoms during treatment.

Crestor should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.