Crestor is a statin medication indicated to lower elevated LDL cholesterol and slow the progression of atherosclerosis. It is commonly prescribed for adults with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia, and in certain cases for adolescents with familial hypercholesterolemia. In many patients at elevated cardiovascular risk, Crestor is part of a comprehensive risk‑reduction plan that also includes diet, exercise, and management of blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking cessation.
Rosuvastatin works primarily in the liver to reduce the production of cholesterol and increase the uptake of LDL from the bloodstream. This dual action can significantly reduce LDL, modestly increase HDL, and lower triglycerides. The medication has proven benefits in primary prevention (people with risk factors such as high LDL, diabetes, or family history) and secondary prevention (patients who have had heart attack, stroke, or established coronary artery disease). By lowering LDL, Crestor reduces cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.
Clinicians may recommend Crestor for conditions such as heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, severe hypertriglyceridemia when LDL lowering is also needed, and for patients with clinical ASCVD requiring intensive LDL reduction. Its potency makes it suitable when substantial LDL lowering is required, either alone or alongside other lipid‑lowering therapies like ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors under medical supervision.
Lifestyle remains foundational. Even when Crestor is prescribed, a heart‑healthy diet (emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and unsaturated fats), routine physical activity, weight management, and moderation of alcohol are essential to maximize benefits and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Crestor is taken by mouth once daily, with or without food, ideally at the same time each day. The starting dose typically ranges from 5 mg to 10 mg daily for most adults, depending on baseline LDL cholesterol and overall cardiovascular risk. A higher starting dose may be considered in patients needing intensive LDL reduction, but clinicians often titrate gradually to balance efficacy and tolerability.
Dose adjustments are based on lipid panel results and clinical response, usually 4 to 12 weeks after initiation or dose change. Many patients achieve targets on 10–20 mg daily. High‑intensity therapy is generally 20–40 mg daily and is reserved for patients who require significant LDL lowering (for example, those with ASCVD or very high LDL levels). The 40 mg dose is not routine; it is typically used only in select patients under close supervision due to increased myopathy risk at higher exposures.
Certain populations may require lower starting doses. Patients of Asian ancestry may be started at 5 mg due to increased rosuvastatin exposure. Those with severe renal impairment (not on dialysis) usually start at 5 mg, with restricted maximum doses. In active liver disease, Crestor is generally avoided. Always defer to your prescriber’s instructions and the product label for individualized dosing.
If antacids containing aluminum or magnesium are needed, take Crestor at least 2 hours before the antacid to avoid reducing rosuvastatin absorption. Consistency is key; do not change the dose or stop the medication without consulting your healthcare professional, as LDL levels will typically rebound when therapy is interrupted.
Liver health: Statins can affect liver enzymes. Most clinicians check baseline liver function tests before starting Crestor and may recheck if symptoms arise (e.g., unusual fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice). Mild, asymptomatic elevations may occur and often resolve; significant or symptomatic elevations warrant evaluation and possible discontinuation.
Muscle effects: Myalgia (muscle aches) is the most commonly reported complaint. Rarely, myopathy or rhabdomyolysis can occur, particularly at higher doses or in combination with certain interacting drugs. Promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or cramps, especially if accompanied by malaise or fever, or if symptoms are severe.
Diabetes risk: Statins have been associated with a small increased risk of elevated blood sugar or new‑onset diabetes in predisposed individuals. The absolute cardiovascular benefits of LDL lowering generally outweigh this risk. People with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome should continue lifestyle measures and periodic glucose monitoring.
Kidney considerations: Severe renal impairment requires cautious dosing and lower maximums. Report decreased urination or swelling. Although rosuvastatin is not primarily cleared by the kidneys, exposure increases with advanced kidney dysfunction.
Thyroid and muscle health: Untreated hypothyroidism can increase the risk of statin‑associated myopathy; correcting thyroid function may reduce that risk. Inform your clinician if you have a history of muscle disorders or hereditary muscle conditions.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Crestor is contraindicated during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Cholesterol synthesis is critical for fetal development, and statins should be discontinued if pregnancy is planned or discovered. Use effective contraception while taking rosuvastatin if you could become pregnant.
Alcohol and liver stressors: Heavy alcohol use can compound liver risks. Discuss alcohol intake honestly with your clinician. There is no significant interaction with grapefruit juice for rosuvastatin (unlike some other statins), but moderation is advisable for overall health.
Allergies and past reactions: Report any prior reaction to statins or to excipients in the Crestor formulation. If you developed severe muscle injury or liver injury on a statin previously, your clinician will consider alternatives or specialized dosing and monitoring.
Do not take Crestor if you have known hypersensitivity to rosuvastatin or any component of the tablet; if you have active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in liver transaminases; or if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Crestor should be stopped immediately if pregnancy occurs.
Caution or avoidance is necessary with certain drug combinations. Co‑administration with cyclosporine greatly increases rosuvastatin levels; specialized dosing restrictions apply and many clinicians avoid the combination. Concomitant use with gemfibrozil significantly raises the risk of myopathy and is generally avoided. Severe renal impairment requires lower dosing limits and close supervision. Your prescriber will weigh risks and benefits based on the full clinical picture.
Common effects: Headache, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and muscle aches are among the most frequently reported side effects. These are often mild and transient. Taking the tablet at the same time each day and staying hydrated may help.
Muscle symptoms: Myalgia is relatively common and typically mild. More serious muscle injury (myopathy, rhabdomyolysis) is rare but requires immediate evaluation. Warning signs include severe or persistent muscle pain or weakness, especially with dark urine or profound fatigue.
Liver enzyme elevations: Asymptomatic increases in AST/ALT can occur. Clinically significant liver injury is rare but possible; seek care for signs of hepatitis (loss of appetite, right upper quadrant pain, jaundice).
Metabolic and other effects: Small increases in blood glucose or A1C may occur, particularly in those with risk factors for diabetes. Some patients report memory fog or sleep disturbances; evidence is mixed, and these effects are generally reversible upon dose reduction or discontinuation. Report any unusual symptoms to your clinician for individualized guidance.
Allergic reactions: Rash, pruritus, hives, or swelling are uncommon but warrant medical advice. Seek emergency care for signs of a severe reaction (e.g., facial swelling, difficulty breathing).
Transporter and enzyme interactions: Rosuvastatin is affected by transport proteins such as BCRP and OATP1B1. Strong inhibitors can raise rosuvastatin levels and increase myopathy risk. Examples include cyclosporine and certain antiviral regimens (for example, combinations with cobicistat or ritonavir). Dose adjustments, alternative therapies, or avoiding the combination may be needed.
Fibrates and niacin: Gemfibrozil significantly increases the risk of muscle toxicity and is generally avoided with rosuvastatin. Other fibrates (e.g., fenofibrate) and high‑dose niacin also increase myopathy risk; if combination therapy is clinically warranted, close monitoring is essential.
Ezetimibe: Combining ezetimibe with Crestor can produce additional LDL lowering. Although generally well tolerated, the combination may modestly increase the risk of muscle symptoms; report unexplained muscle pain or weakness.
Warfarin and anticoagulants: Rosuvastatin may enhance the effect of warfarin; more frequent INR monitoring is prudent when starting, stopping, or changing the dose. Inform your care team if you use anticoagulants, direct oral anticoagulants, or antiplatelet therapy.
Antacids: Aluminum/magnesium antacids can reduce rosuvastatin absorption if taken together. Separate dosing by at least 2 hours (take Crestor first).
Other considerations: Some antibiotics and antifungals interact strongly with statins that rely on CYP3A4; rosuvastatin has fewer CYP3A4 interactions, but caution is always wise. Colchicine, particularly at higher doses or in renal impairment, may increase myopathy risk when combined with statins. Supplements such as red yeast rice contain natural statin‑like compounds and can add to adverse effect risk; avoid combining without clinician approval.
Always provide a complete medication and supplement list to your clinician and pharmacist. This includes over‑the‑counter drugs, herbal products, and fitness supplements that could interact or compound muscle or liver risks.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed tablet. Setting a daily alarm or using a pill organizer can help maintain consistency, which is important for steady LDL reduction.
There is no specific antidote for rosuvastatin overdose. If an overdose is suspected, call your local poison control center or seek urgent medical attention. Treatment is supportive—monitoring for liver enzyme elevation, muscle injury (creatine kinase), and kidney function, especially if significant muscle breakdown is suspected. Because rosuvastatin is highly protein‑bound, dialysis is unlikely to significantly enhance elimination.
Store Crestor tablets at room temperature, ideally 20–25°C (68–77°F), in a dry place away from excessive heat, humidity, and direct light. Keep tablets in the original, child‑resistant container with the lid tightly closed. Do not store in bathrooms where moisture is high. Keep out of reach of children and pets. When no longer needed or expired, follow local guidelines for medication disposal—many pharmacies offer take‑back programs. Do not flush unless specifically instructed.
In the United States, Crestor (rosuvastatin) is a prescription‑only medication. It is not legal or safe to buy Crestor without prescription. U.S. law requires that a licensed clinician evaluate you to determine whether rosuvastatin is appropriate, select a safe dose, and provide ongoing monitoring. This safeguards you from counterfeit products, dangerous interactions, and inappropriate use that could increase the risk of liver or muscle injury.
Safe access options include scheduling an appointment with your primary care clinician, cardiologist, or an authorized telehealth provider. Many legitimate telemedicine services can conduct a compliant online visit, review your medical history and labs, and—if indicated—issue a valid prescription that can be filled at a licensed pharmacy. Reputable pharmacies, whether local or mail‑order, will require a prescription and offer counseling from a pharmacist.
Be cautious of “no‑prescription” websites. These vendors frequently operate outside regulatory oversight, may ship substandard or counterfeit products, and put your health at risk. Look for the “.pharmacy” domain or verification seals from state boards of pharmacy, and confirm U.S. licensure when using online pharmacies. Pricing transparency matters: ask your pharmacist about generic rosuvastatin, which is bioequivalent to Crestor and often significantly more affordable. Prescription savings programs, manufacturer copay support (where eligible), and insurance formulary tiers can reduce your out‑of‑pocket cost.
Some health systems, including integrated clinics and hospital‑affiliated programs, provide structured, lawful pathways to access care without an in‑person office visit by leveraging telehealth and electronic prescribing. Through these services, you can receive an appropriate evaluation and—if clinically suitable—a legitimate prescription for Crestor or generic rosuvastatin, which can then be filled at a licensed pharmacy. This approach maintains safety standards, ensures medication authenticity, and aligns with U.S. regulations.
Bottom line: for your safety and the best clinical outcomes, obtain Crestor only through licensed healthcare professionals and pharmacies. If convenience matters, choose reputable telemedicine and mail‑order options that still require a valid prescription and provide access to pharmacist counseling, clear pricing, and follow‑up support.
Crestor is a statin that lowers LDL “bad” cholesterol by blocking HMG‑CoA reductase, the liver enzyme that makes cholesterol. This upregulates LDL receptors, clears LDL from the blood, modestly raises HDL, and lowers triglycerides, reducing cardiovascular risk.
It treats high LDL cholesterol, mixed dyslipidemia, and certain cases of familial hypercholesterolemia, and it’s used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and arterial revascularization in people at increased cardiovascular risk.
It’s among the most potent statins. Depending on dose, average LDL reductions are roughly 45% to over 60%, with high‑intensity dosing delivering the largest reductions.
Measurable changes appear within 1–2 weeks, with full effect by about 4 weeks. Lipid panels are often rechecked 4–12 weeks after starting or changing the dose.
Take it once daily, with or without food, at a consistent time. Because of its long half‑life, you can take it morning or evening; choose a time you can remember.
Headache, muscle aches, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, constipation, and nausea are most common. Mild, transient increases in liver enzymes can occur.
Stop and seek care for severe muscle pain or weakness, dark urine (possible rhabdomyolysis), yellowing of skin/eyes, severe fatigue, or allergic reactions like rash or swelling.
Statins can elevate liver enzymes. A baseline liver test is typical; further testing is guided by symptoms or clinical judgment rather than routine frequent monitoring.
Yes, muscle symptoms can occur, usually mild. Rarely, serious muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) happens. Report new, unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially with fever or malaise.
Moderate alcohol may be acceptable, but heavy drinking increases liver risk. Grapefruit has minimal effect on rosuvastatin compared to some statins; occasional consumption is generally fine.
No. Statins are contraindicated in pregnancy and not recommended while breastfeeding. Inform your clinician if you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing.
Yes, generic rosuvastatin is FDA‑approved as bioequivalent to Crestor and provides the same cholesterol‑lowering efficacy and safety when used as directed.
Statins, including rosuvastatin, can slightly increase blood glucose and the risk of developing diabetes in susceptible people. The cardiovascular benefits usually outweigh this small risk.
Take it when you remember unless it’s close to your next dose. Skip the missed dose if needed and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up.
People with active liver disease, pregnancy, or breastfeeding should avoid it. Use caution in severe kidney disease, untreated hypothyroidism, or with certain interacting drugs.
Yes. Cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, certain HIV/hepatitis C protease inhibitors, and niacin raise muscle risk; warfarin may need INR monitoring. Take rosuvastatin at least 2 hours before aluminum/magnesium antacids. Avoid red yeast rice (it contains a statin‑like compound).
Yes, but severe renal impairment may require a lower starting dose and a reduced maximum dose. Atorvastatin may be preferred in some advanced CKD cases because it is less renally cleared.
Often yes. Cholesterol levels tend to rise back if therapy stops. Many people need ongoing statin therapy alongside lifestyle measures to maintain cardiovascular risk reduction.
Not without medical advice. “Normal” levels are usually the result of the statin. Stopping can reverse gains and increase cardiovascular risk; decisions are individualized.
Both are high‑intensity statins. Milligram for milligram, rosuvastatin is more potent, achieving slightly greater LDL reductions at comparable intensity levels, though both effectively lower LDL and events.
Both lower triglycerides and modestly raise HDL. Atorvastatin may have a small edge in triglyceride lowering in very high TG states; rosuvastatin may slightly raise HDL more. Differences are modest.
Rosuvastatin is more potent and not significantly metabolized by CYP3A4, so it has fewer CYP3A4 interactions. Simvastatin is less potent and highly CYP3A4‑dependent, with more interaction constraints.
Pravastatin has minimal CYP metabolism and is gentle for patients with many drug interactions or prior muscle symptoms, but it’s less potent. Rosuvastatin offers stronger LDL lowering with relatively few interactions.
Both are potent at moderate intensity and have limited CYP3A4 issues. Some data suggest pitavastatin may be more neutral on glucose metabolism. Rosuvastatin achieves larger LDL reductions at high intensity.
Fluvastatin is generally well‑tolerated but less potent, suited to mild LDL elevation. Rosuvastatin more reliably reaches aggressive LDL goals or high‑risk targets.
Lovastatin should be taken with food and has more CYP3A4 interactions. Rosuvastatin can be taken anytime with or without food and has fewer CYP3A4‑related interactions.
For high‑intensity therapy, rosuvastatin 20–40 mg and atorvastatin 40–80 mg are preferred. Choice depends on goals, kidney function, interactions, cost, and tolerance.
No. Unlike short half‑life statins such as simvastatin, rosuvastatin has a long half‑life and can be taken at any time of day. Consistency matters most.
Rosuvastatin requires dose adjustment in severe renal impairment. Atorvastatin is less renally cleared and may be advantageous in advanced CKD, though both can be used appropriately.
Rosuvastatin exposure is higher on average in Asian patients, so a lower starting dose (e.g., 5 mg) is recommended. This effect is less pronounced with some other statins.
High‑dose rosuvastatin has shown coronary plaque regression in imaging studies, and atorvastatin has robust outcomes data as well. Clinically, both reduce heart attacks and strokes when used appropriately.
Generic rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin are widely available and inexpensive. Simvastatin and atorvastatin often have the lowest copays; prices vary by plan and pharmacy.
For statin‑associated muscle symptoms, switching between lipophilic and hydrophilic statins can help. Rosuvastatin (hydrophilic) or pravastatin may be better tolerated than simvastatin or atorvastatin for some people, or vice versa depending on the individual.
