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Working with Your Doctor
Since high cholesterol and plaque buildup in arteries 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.
Watch our Conversation Starter videos and find out how to talk to your doctor about plaque buildup in your arteries.
Watch VideoTogether, 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 high cholesterol. If you have any questions about your cholesterol or how it may contribute to the slow buildup of plaque in the arteries over time, a disease called atherosclerosis, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You should also talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you would like more information about CRESTOR or managing high cholesterol.
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 buildup of plaque in arteries) as part of a treatment plan to lower cholesterol to goal. CRESTOR has not been approved to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes.
Important Safety Information about CRESTOR
- 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: The most common side effects are headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, weakness, and nausea
Talk to your doctor about prescription CRESTOR.
Read full Prescribing Information
Read Important Information for Patients
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 is 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.
©2009 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. All rights reserved. 284217 10/09
WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
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