rosuvastatin
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is a statin. It's used to treat high cholesterol levels in adults and children. It can also help lower the risk heart attack or stroke in people who are at risk for heart-related problems. Rosuvastatin (Crestor) comes as both generic and brand name tablets that are taken by mouth, typically once daily. Brand name Ezallor Sprinkle (rosuvastatin) is an option for people who've trouble swallowing pills. Common side effects of rosuvastatin (Crestor) include muscle pain, joint pain, and headache.
What is Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
What is Rosuvastatin (Crestor) used for?
- Lower the risk of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in people at risk for heart disease
- Lower "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people
How Rosuvastatin (Crestor) works
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is a statin. The main way it works is by blocking the enzyme (protein) in your liver that makes cholesterol. As a result, rosuvastatin (Crestor) lowers your "bad" cholesterol (called low-density lipoprotein, or LDL). Rosuvastatin (Crestor) can also raise your "good" cholesterol (called high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) and lower your triglyceride levels.
Drug facts
Side effects of Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Muscle pain (8-13%)
- Joint pain (4-10%)
- Headache (6-9%)
- Nausea (2-6%)
- Constipation (up to 5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Rash, itchy skin, hives
- Higher blood sugar
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis): Dark brown urine, severe muscle weakness or pain, fever, tiredness
- Worsening liver problems or liver failure: swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, confusion, dark or brown urine
More on Rosuvastatin (Crestor) side effects
The following Rosuvastatin (Crestor) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Blurred vision
chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness
difficult, burning, or painful urination
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
flushed, dry skin
fruit-like breath odor
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
loss of consciousness
muscle tension or tightness
slow heartbeat
stomachache
sweating
trouble breathing
unexplained weight loss
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Incidence not known
Black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
bloody urine
chills
clay-colored stools
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
headache
hoarseness
indigestion
irritation
joint swelling
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
light-colored stools
loss of appetite
muscle tenderness, wasting, or weakness
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
pinpoint red spots on the skin
redness of the skin
stomach pain, continuing
swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
tightness in the chest
trouble swallowing
unpleasant breath odor
unusual bleeding or bruising
upper right abdominal or stomach pain
vomiting of blood
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Body aches or pain
congestion
dry or sore throat
tender, swollen glands in the neck
voice changes
Less common
Accidental injury
accumulation of pus, swollen, red, or tender area of infection near a tooth
arm, back, or jaw pain
belching
bladder pain
burning feeling in the chest or stomach
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
discouragement
dizziness
excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
excessive muscle tone
fear
feeling faint
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
feeling of warmth or heat
feeling sad or empty
flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
general feeling of discomfort or illness
lack of appetite
lack or loss of strength
lightheadedness
loss of interest or pleasure
neck pain
nerve pain
nervousness
pain or swelling in the arms or legs without any injury
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
passing gas
pounding in the ears
sensation of spinning
shivering
stomach discomfort, tenderness, or upset
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
Incidence not known
Confusion
forgetfulness
memory loss
nightmares
swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
unsteadiness or awkwardness
weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Pros
- First-choice cholesterol medication that lowers your risk of heart attack and stroke
- Can be taken by children as young as 7 years old
- Sprinkle capsule (Ezallor Sprinkle) can be opened and contents sprinkled over soft food
- Available as a lower cost, generic form
Cons
- Not safe to take for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Might lead to liver problems
- Can cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problem
- Might raise blood sugar levels, especially in people who have pre-diabetes
Pharmacist tips for Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- Mark your calendar with your appointments to get any blood work done when you take rosuvastatin (Crestor). Your prescriber will order blood work to check your cholesterol levels and liver labs during treatment. Your prescriber might change your dose based on your lab results.
- It's fine to take rosuvastatin (Crestor) at any time, but it's best to take it at the same time every day.
- You can take rosuvastatin (Crestor) with or without food. If it's hurting your stomach, try taking it with food to help.
- Swallow the tablets whole. If you're having trouble swallowing pills whole, talk with your prescriber about switching you to Ezallor Sprinkle (rosuvastatin). This is a capsule that you can open up and sprinkle its contents over soft food, like applesauce or pudding.
- If you're taking Ezallor Sprinkle (rosuvastatin), either swallow the capsule whole or open the capsule and sprinkle its contents over a teaspoonful of soft food, like applesauce or pudding. Don't chew this mixture; you must swallow it whole. You need to eat this mixture within an hour of mixing, don't store it away for later.
- Muscle pain is a well-known potential side effect of statins like rosuvastatin (Crestor). You can experience it at any time during treatment, even if you've been taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) for years without any problem. Let your prescriber know right away if you experience muscle pain.
- Be sure to get medical help right away if you notice dark-colored urine or fever in addition to muscle pain - these might be signs of a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), a rare side effect of rosuvastatin (Crestor).
- Limit or avoid alcohol while taking rosuvastatin (Crestor). This is because alcohol can raise your risk of serious liver problems with rosuvastatin (Crestor). It can also worsen your cholesterol levels. If completely avoiding alcohol isn't possible for you, ask your prescriber what's a safe amount for you to drink.
- If you take antacids containing aluminum and magnesium, make sure to take the antacid at least 2 hours after taking rosuvastatin (Crestor). This is to make sure all of the rosuvastatin (Crestor) gets absorbed into your body.
- It's important that you eat a healthy and balanced diet low in fat and a maintain a regular exercise routine while taking rosuvastatin (Crestor). Doing so will help you get the most benefit out of the medication. Talk with your prescriber about how to plan your meals and what kind of exercise is appropriate for you.
- Let a member of your care team know if you're pregnant. Rosuvastatin (Crestor) generally isn't recommended because it can cause birth defects. However, depending on your risk for problems of high cholesterol (e.g., heart attack, stroke), your provider might recommend continuing rosuvastatin (Crestor).
- Don't use rosuvastatin (Crestor) while breastfeeding until you've talked to a healthcare provider about the risks and benefits. It's not completely clear how safe the medication is while breastfeeding.
More on Rosuvastatin (Crestor) tips
Common questions about Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is a long-acting medication, which means that its effects last throughout the day. You can take rosuvastatin (Crestor) any time during the day or at night time. Just make sure you try to take it around the same time each day.
Your healthcare team can discuss with you how long you need to take rosuvastatin (Crestor). Typically, the length of treatment of depends on different factors, like your cholesterol levels and your risk for heart problems. For example, people who have genetic conditions that lead to higher cholesterol levels, like familial hypercholesterolemia, might need to take a statin their entire life. But others might be able to stop rosuvastatin (Crestor) once their cholesterol levels are well-controlled and maintained with diet and exercise, and their risk for stroke or heart problems is low. Talk with your care team if you have specific questions about taking rosuvastatin (Crestor).
If you accidentally miss a dose of rosuvastatin (Crestor), take it as soon as you remember. But if more than 12 hours have passed since the time you were scheduled to take your dose, then skip that dose and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Don't take 2 doses at the same time to make up any missed doses. Missing a single dose of rosuvastatin (Crestor) likely won't cause any problems. But missing several doses cause your cholesterol levels to go up and put you at higher risk for serious heart-related problems. If you're having trouble remembering to take your pills, discuss with your healthcare team ways to organize your medications like downloading a reminder app on your phone.
There are several medications that can interact with rosuvastatin (Crestor). While you might not need to avoid taking them together, your care team will likely need to make some dosage adjustments or check your labs more often. For example, if you take cyclosporine (Sandimmune), your care team might lower your dose of rosuvastatin (Crestor). This is because cyclosporine (Sandimmune) can raise the levels of rosuvastatin (Crestor) in your body and put you at higher risk for side effects. Another example is if you're taking warfarin (Coumadin), your care team might check your international normalized ratio (INR) more often after you start rosuvastatin (Crestor). This is because rosuvastatin (Crestor) can cause the INR to go up, which raises the risk of bleeding. Make sure to tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all of the medications you're taking before and during treatment with rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Weight gain isn't commonly reported by people who took rosuvastatin (Crestor) in clinical studies. If you've gained weight after starting rosuvastatin (Crestor), talk with your healthcare team. They can help you figure out what factors might be contributing to the weight gain. Keep in mind that while rosuvastatin (Crestor) can help lower your cholesterol levels, this medication works best when you also make lifestyle changes to keep your cholesterol levels low and to help maintain a healthy body weight. For example, your care team might recommend that you do cardio and strength training for at least 150 minutes per week. They will also recommend that you avoid foods that are high in trans and saturated fats, such as fast food, and to build meals with healthy foods, such as whole grains, nuts, and vegetables.
Some common side effects of rosuvastatin (Crestor), such as headache, nausea, and constipation, typically go away with time. In the meantime, your healthcare team can recommend lifestyle changes to ease these side effects, such as eating foods high in fiber to help with constipation or eating foods that are more bland to prevent nausea. But taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) can also put you at risk for rare but serious side effects, such as liver problems or muscle breakdown. The risk for these side effects will likely stay with you as long as you're taking rosuvastatin (Crestor). Talk with your healthcare team if you have questions about any specific side effect.
The risk of long-term side effects with rosuvastatin (Crestor) is low. Some studies suggest that taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) can raise blood sugar levels to the range of Type 2 diabetes. But this side effect is more likely for people who already have pre-diabetes. Other studies suggest that taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) can raise the risk of liver problems, but this side effect is also rare. More often, people reported higher levels of liver enzymes that got better over time, and no serious liver damage. In general, the benefits of taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) is greater than the potential for harm. Talk with your healthcare team if you have any specific concerns about taking this medication.
Both rosuvastatin (Crestor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are moderate-to-high intensity statins, meaning they can lower LDL by more than 50% at certain doses. They're both taken once per day at any time of the day. One difference is the dosage forms they come in. Rosuvastatin is only available as pills, whereas atorvastatin is available as pills and a liquid (Atorvaliq). But, Ezallor Sprinkle, a brand of rosuvastatin capsules, can be opened up and sprinkled over soft foods for people having trouble swallowing pills. Another difference is both medications have slightly different drug interactions. For example, only atorvastatin (Lipitor) can't be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice and certain macrolide antibiotics. Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist if you have more questions on the differences between both medications.
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Risks and warnings for Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe muscle pain and damage
- Risk factors: Ages 65 years and older | Asian descent | Hypothyroidism that's not well-controlled | Taking a higher dose of rosuvastatin (Crestor) | Kidney problems | Taking other medications that can also cause muscle problems or interact with rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) can cause a rare, but serious and life-threatening muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis. If severe, this muscle problem can lead to kidney injury. Your risk for rhabdomyolysis is higher if you take other medications that can either raise the levels of rosuvastatin (Crestor) in your body or also cause muscle damage. Stop rosuvastatin (Crestor) and get medical attention right away if you notice any symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, such as severe muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; dark-colored urine; and tiredness.
In some rare cases, statins like rosuvastatin (Crestor) can cause immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), an autoimmune condition that causes muscle inflammation and muscle weakness. This muscle problem might continue even if you stop taking the statin. If you develop IMNM, you'll need to stop the statin and you might need to take additional medications to dampen down your immune system.
Liver problems
- Risk factors: History of liver problems | Drinking large amounts of alcohol
Some people who took rosuvastatin (Crestor) had changes to the liver enzyme levels in their blood, which can sometimes suggest liver problems. Most of the time, the changes in liver enzyme levels are temporary and don't cause any physical symptoms. In some rare cases, serious liver problems leading to liver failure have happened.
Your healthcare team might ask you to do blood tests to check your liver health before and during treatment to make sure your liver is working properly. Get medical attention right away if you notice yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; swelling of your stomach; stomach pain; nausea; vomiting; stool changes (black, tarry, or bloody stools); or dark or brown urine. You might need to stop taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) to prevent further liver damage.
Higher blood sugar levels
- Risk factors: High blood sugar
Some research suggests that statins like rosuvastatin (Crestor) might raise blood sugar levels, which can lead to higher hemoglobin A1C levels. But healthcare professionals believe that the benefits of statins outweigh this risk. Tell your prescriber if you have diabetes or high blood sugar before you start rosuvastatin (Crestor). You might need to check your blood sugar more often. Also, follow a healthy, balanced diet and do regular exercise while you're taking rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Possible harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) isn't recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding for most people. This medication can possibly cause harm to unborn and breastfed babies. Talk to your healthcare team about the safest options for you if you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $9.72 | $0.32 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $9.79 | $0.33 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $11.13 | $0.37 |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $11.55 | $0.39 |
Typical dosage for Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- Adults: The typical dose ranges from 5 mg to 40 mg by mouth once per day.
- Children: Your child's pediatrician will determine the dose based on your child's age and condition. The typical dose ranges from 5 mg to 20 mg by mouth once per day.
Your dose might differ if you're of Asian descent or if you have kidney problems.
More on Rosuvastatin (Crestor) dosage
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) reviews
GoodRx has partnered with to provide reviews on the different aspects of Rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Effectiveness
Learn more about the effectiveness of Rosuvastatin (Crestor) based on real life experiences.
Overall Rating
Based on 130 people taking this medication
3.2
Effectiveness by condition:
high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)85 reviews
3.8
hyperlipidemia28 reviews
3.1
coronary artery disease7 reviews
2.5
chronic kidney disease5 reviews
3.3
high triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia)5 reviews
3.3
Severity of side effects
Based on 244 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
Top side effects
Muscle and joint pain
4%
Muscle pain
3%
Muscle cramps
2%
Joint pain
2%
Pain in leg(s)
1%
Reasons people stopped taking Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Based on 131 people who have taken this medication
Side effects too severe
30%
Doctor's advice
18%
Other
16%
Expense
15%
Change in health plan coverage
8%
Did not seem to work
7%
Personal research
6%
Course of treatment ended
4%
How long people take Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Based on 620 people who have taken this medication
0%
50%
100%
Interactions between Rosuvastatin (Crestor) and other drugs
More on Rosuvastatin (Crestor) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Amprenavir
- Atazanavir
- Bezafibrate
- Capmatinib
- Ciprofibrate
- Cobicistat
- Colchicine
- Cyclosporine
- Daptomycin
- Darolutamide
- Darunavir
- Dasabuvir
- Elagolix
- Elbasvir
- Eluxadoline
- Enasidenib
- Eslicarbazepine Acetate
- Fenofibrate
- Fenofibric Acid
- Fosamprenavir
- Gemfibrozil
- Grazoprevir
- Indinavir
- Lasmiditan
- Ledipasvir
- Leflunomide
- Lopinavir
- Niacin
- Ombitasvir
- Paritaprevir
- Regorafenib
- Ritonavir
- Rolapitant
- Saquinavir
- Simeprevir
- Teriflunomide
- Velpatasvir
- Voxilaprevir
- Warfarin
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acenocoumarol
- Amiodarone
- Dicumarol
- Eltrombopag
- Fluconazole
- Fostemsavir
- Glecaprevir
- Itraconazole
- Oat Bran
- Pectin
- Phenprocoumon
- Pibrentasvir
- Tipranavir
How much does Rosuvastatin (Crestor) cost?
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Rosuvastatin (Crestor) will not be safe for you to take.
- Liver problems (such as liver failure and severe liver cirrhosis)
- Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
What are alternatives to Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
News about Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
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