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Cholesterol & Atherosclerosis –
the Artery Connection

Sponsored by
The following is a Sponsored Resource. The sponsor of this content has sole editorial control.

About CRESTOR

Most of the cholesterol in our blood is made within our bodies, by the liver. And that's where CRESTOR® (rosuvastatin calcium) comes in. CRESTOR works by blocking an enzyme in the liver. It reduces the amount of LDL (bad) cholesterol produced by the liver and raises the HDL (good) cholesterol. Along with diet, CRESTOR can also slow the progression of atherosclerosis, the progressive buildup of plaque in the arteries over time, as part of a treatment plan in adults to lower cholesterol to goal.

How Crestor Works

By limiting cholesterol production, CRESTOR lowers the amount of total cholesterol that ends up in the bloodstream. CRESTOR can lower LDL cholesterol up to 52% (at the 10-mg dose versus 7% with placebo). It can also increase the amount of HDL cholesterol in the blood by up to 14% (at the 10-mg dose versus 3% with placebo). Of course, your results may vary.

To get the greatest benefit from a cholesterol medication, you should still follow a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol and exercise regularly.

CRESTOR may not be right for everyone. Even though side effects are infrequent, it's always important to know the risks of taking a cholesterol medication.

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.

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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.

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Get the support you need to manage your high cholesterol and learn how you may be able to slow the progression of atherosclerosis.

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