Working with Your Doctor
Since high cholesterol and atherosclerosis typically don't have symptoms you can feel, it's important to talk to your doctor about them, get your cholesterol tested, and then follow his or her recommendations if you need to take action. An ongoing, productive dialogue between you and your doctor can help you stay on track as you work to manage your cholesterol and slow the buildup of plaque in your arteries.
Setting Goals Together
Your cholesterol levels may change throughout your life, and other health conditions that can make managing your cholesterol more important may develop or go away over time. You and your doctor should always be aware of your cholesterol levels and any specific health issues. Then you should work together to set goals and plans for reaching them that are realistic, that benefit your health, and that you can agree to follow.
Making Every Conversation Count
Getting prepared ahead of time can help you make the most of your visits with your doctor. While you're in the office, find out why each topic being discussed is important to your health, and how it all fits together. If the discussion gets complicated, don't be afraid to ask whether your doctor has any charts or tools you can look at, or if he or she can refer you to any books or Web sites that might provide more information.
Together, you and your doctor will build an action plan to help you manage your cholesterol and slow the progression of plaque buildup in your arteries. The better prepared you are, the more valuable the visit will be.
To help plan ahead for your doctor visit, make a comprehensive list of questions for your doctor.
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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Find your cholesterol goal, get questions to ask your doctor and learn about your risk factors.
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The buildup of plaque in your arteries, known as atherosclerosis, can start in early adulthood


