Crestor (rosuvastatin) belongs to a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins." Rosuvastatin is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).

Crestor is used in adults and children who are at least 8 years old to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Crestor is used in adults to slow the progression of atherosclerosis (a build-up of plaque in blood vessels that can block blood flow). Crestor is used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and certain other heart complications in men 50 years and older and women 60 years and older who have coronary heart disease or other risk factors.

Crestor is also used to treat hereditary forms of high cholesterol, including the heterozygous type (inherited from one parent) and the homozygous type (inherited from both parents). For the heterozygous type, Crestor can be used in children who are at least 8 years old. For the homozygous type, this medicine can be used in children as young as 7 years old.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always use Crestor as directed by your physician.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Crestor comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Crestor is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day. Continue to take rosuvastatin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking rosuvastatin without talking to your doctor.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 7 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Always use Crestor exactly as directed by your doctor.

Before using Crestor, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

You should not take Crestor if you are allergic to rosuvastatin, or if you have:

• liver disease/high levels of liver enzymes in your blood; or

• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Do not take Crestor if you are pregnant. Rosuvastatin could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine.

Crestor can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in women, in older adults, or people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

People of Asian descent may absorb rosuvastatin at a higher rate than other people which may cause muscle weakness/dysfunction. Make sure your doctor knows if you are Asian. You may need a lower than normal starting dose.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Excessive tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle tightening
• Joint pain

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• Watery or bloody diarrhea that may occur along with stomach cramps and fever during your treatment or for 2 months afterward
• Hives
• Rash
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Hoarseness

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you are more than 12 hours late, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature. Keep container tightly closed (protect from moisture).

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I avoid while using Crestor?

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or Crestor will not be as effective.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.

Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the type of antacid your doctor recommends, and do not take it within 2 hours after taking Crestor. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb rosuvastatin.

Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Crestor will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.