10 Crestor Side Effects You Should Know About
GoodRx highlights 10 Crestor side effects you shouldn't ignore. Stay informed for better health.
rosuvastatin
Used for Coronary Artery Disease, High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides
Used for Coronary Artery Disease, High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides
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.
When does Rosuvastatin (Crestor) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Crestor, Ezallor Sprinkle |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Statin |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Rosuvastatin (Crestor) essentials
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
When do Rosuvastatin (Crestor) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Muscle or joint pain
Headache
Nausea
Severe muscle damage
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.
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
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
The average cost for 30 tablets of 20mg of Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is $11.36 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 87.71% off the average retail price of $92.45. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $9.93 | $0.33 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $10.00 | $0.33 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $11.36 | $0.38 |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $12.46 | $0.42 |
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
Side effects
Learn more about the side effects others have reported while taking Rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Severity of side effects
Based on 244 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
Top side effects
Based on 244 people taking this medication
Muscle and joint pain
4%
Muscle pain
3%
Muscle cramps
2%
Joint pain
2%
Pain in leg(s)
1%
Usage
Review why people stop taking this medication and how long they take it.
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%
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Interactions between Rosuvastatin (Crestor) and other drugs
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Rosuvastatin (Crestor). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
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?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
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)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Rosuvastatin (Crestor). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
7 Statin Alternatives You Can Take to Help Lower Your Cholesterol
Statins may not be safe and effective for all people with high cholesterol. Some statin alternatives, like fibrates, may be able to help. Review your options here.
Do Statins Cause Dementia? Experts Review the Evidence for You
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Warfarin, Paxlovid, and More: 9 Rosuvastatin (Crestor) Interactions to Watch Out for
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) may interact with other cholesterol medications, HIV medications, and blood thinners like warfarin. See more common supplement and drug interactions.
PCSK9 Inhibitors vs. Statins for High Cholesterol: 7 Ways They Compare
PCSK9 inhibitors and statins are both proven to lower LDL cholesterol. Compare side effects and uses, and discover which option is right for you.
What Causes High Cholesterol? And Why It Matters
Cholesterol gets a scary reputation, but not all cholesterol is bad. Learn about different types of cholesterol (HDL and LDL) and what causes high cholesterol.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) vs. Atorvastatin (Lipitor): 5 Ways They Compare for High Cholesterol
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) vs. atorvastatin (Lipitor): Which statin is right for you? Compare key differences in dosage forms, interactions, and more.
Protecting Your Heart: 7 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Suddenly Stop Your Statin
Healthcare professionals warn against suddenly stopping statins because the risk of serious heart problems can go up. Learn about the risks of stopping statins here.
Are OTC Statins Available? Not Yet, But They Could Be Soon
Statins are a medication class commonly prescribed to treat high cholesterol. Research indicates OTC statins may be available soon. Learn more.
How Much Is Rosuvastatin Without Insurance?
The price of rosuvastatin varies depending on the dose and other factors. Discover how much rosuvastatin costs without insurance and ways to save with this guide.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) images
