Email a Friend
Print Article
CRESTOR Frequently Asked Questions
Whether this is your first prescription for CRESTOR® (rosuvastatin calcium), or you've been taking it for a while, you probably have some questions. Take a look at a few common questions below to see if we can provide an answer.
Please remember that your doctor and pharmacist are the best sources of information on how cholesterol and atherosclerosis relate to your specific situation.
Q. Why did my doctor prescribe CRESTOR?
A. CRESTOR is prescribed for patients who need to manage high cholesterol, and who have not had success managing it through diet and exercise alone. It can also help slow the buildup of plaque in arteries, known as atherosclerosis, in adults with high cholesterol.
Q. How will I know if CRESTOR is working?
A. The only way to know whether your cholesterol-lowering program is working is to have a follow-up fasting lipid profile, also known as a cholesterol test. Ask your doctor about how soon you should be retested.
Q. How soon should I expect results with CRESTOR?
A. People can have different responses to the same medicine, so your results may vary. Ask your doctor how soon you should return for a follow-up fasting lipid profile. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to, or if you become pregnant. If you do become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor immediately.
Q. Is CRESTOR a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise plan?
A. No. When taking CRESTOR, you should continue eating well and exercising. Follow a diet that's low in saturated fats and cholesterol and work on getting at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. Learn more about living a healthy lifestyle.
Q. Do I still need to take CRESTOR when I reach my cholesterol goal?
A. Certain people may need to manage their cholesterol closely because of their medical history or other health concerns, and they may need to take medications like CRESTOR as long as their doctor prescribes it to keep their cholesterol in check. It's important to discuss your medical history and other health issues with your doctor, so that he or she can recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.
As with all prescription medications, it's important to follow your doctor's advice. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to, or if you become pregnant. If you do become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor immediately.
Q. What should I do if I accidentally miss a dose of CRESTOR?
A. CRESTOR should be taken regularly, as prescribed by your doctor. If you accidentally miss a dose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Print a voucher and ask your doctor if a free
15-day trial of CRESTOR 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg is right for you.
The information on this Web site should not take the place of talking with your doctor or health care professional about how to manage and treat your cholesterol. If you have any questions about your cholesterol or how it may be contributing to the progression of atherosclerosis, or if you would like more information about CRESTOR, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Only you and your doctor can decide if CRESTOR is right for you.
Important safety information about CRESTOR
In adults, CRESTOR is prescribed along with diet for lowering high cholesterol. CRESTOR is also prescribed along with diet to slow the progression of atherosclerosis (the build up of plaque in arteries) as part of a treatment plan to lower cholesterol to goal. CRESTOR has not been determined to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes.
CRESTOR is not right for everyone, including anyone who has previously had an allergic reaction to CRESTOR, anyone with liver problems, or women who are nursing, pregnant, or who may become pregnant. Your doctor will do blood tests before and during treatment with CRESTOR to monitor your liver function. Unexplained muscle pain and weakness could be a sign of a rare but serious side effect and should be reported to your doctor right away. The 40 mg dose of CRESTOR is only for patients who do not reach goal on 20 mg. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any medications. Side effects occur infrequently and include headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, weakness, and nausea.
Please see full Prescribing Information for CRESTOR.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
CRESTOR was licensed by AstraZeneca from Shionogi & Co LTD, Osaka, Japan.
CRESTOR is a registered trademark and CRESTOR 360° is a trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.
©2008 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. All rights reserved. 260827 5/08
WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Sign up now
Get the support you need to manage your high cholesterol and learn how you may be able to slow the progression of atherosclerosis.
tetete
The buildup of plaque in your arteries, known as atherosclerosis, can start in early adulthood
ADD/ADHDAllergiesAlzheimer's DiseaseAnxiety DisordersArthritisAsthmaBack PainBalanceBipolar DisorderCancerCholesterolCold & FluDepression
DiabetesDiet & Weight LossErectile DysfunctionFitnessFood & CookingGenital HerpesHeart HealthHeartburn/GERD HypertensionIBSIncontinenceMenopause
MigrainesOsteoporosisParentingPregnancySex & Relationships Sexual ConditionsSkin & BeautySkin ProblemsSleep DisordersStrokeAll Health Topics
Today's NewsFind a Doctor Find a Hospital Symptom CheckerHealth Care ServicesWebMD Health ManagerWebMD Weight Loss Clinic
HLTH CorporationWebMD CorporateeMedicine®Medscape®MedicineNet®RxList®WebMD The Magazine
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.