CRESTOR

Drug Name

Crestor (Rosuvastatin)

Drug Uses

Crestor is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also known as a "statin"), used with a proper diet to help lower cholesterol and fat (triglyceride) levels and to raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels in your blood.

How to use

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Do not take antacids for at least 2 hours after taking this medicine. This medicine should be taken regularly to get the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you remember. It is important to continue taking this medicine even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Crestor is an oral drug for lowering blood cholesterol levels. It belongs to a class of drugs, called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, more commonly referred to as "statins". Other drugs in this class include simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), atorvastatin (Lipitor) and fluvastatin (Lescol). These drugs reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that produces cholesterol in the liver. Crestor and other statins lower blood total cholesterol as well as blood LDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is the "bad" type of cholesterol that increases the risk of coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis) and heart attacks. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels slows the progression of coronary artery disease and may even reverse it. Statins also increase HDL cholesterol, the "good" type of cholesterol, and reduce triglycerides.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light.