Thursday, November 20, 2008
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Crestor
Name Crestor (Rosuvastatin)
Purpose To decrease total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides & Non-HDL, and to raise HDL.
Action Crestor inhibits an enzyme necessary to produce cholesterol in the liver. It also facilitates the removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood.
Dose The recommended dosing range is 5 – 40mg orally with or without food at any time of day. The Doctor wants you to start at ______mg. This dose may need to be adjusted depending on your response.
You should not take Crestor if any of the following apply:
- You have active liver disease or unexplained elevated liver enzymes.
- Females who are pregnant, nursing, or likely to conceive.
- You take the immunosuppressant Cyclosporine (Sandimmune or Neoral).
- You are allergic to any of the product ingredients, including lactose.
· You should be cautious about taking Crestor with Lopid (Gemfibrozil), Tricor, Lofibra or high doses of Niacin (Niaspan); however, combinations of these medications may be ordered by the Lipid MD with careful monitoring.
Possible side effects
Crestor is generally well tolerated. Call your doctor or the cholesterol clinic if you have: GI problems, rash, fatigue, cold/flu symptoms, muscle aches, headache, or dizziness. Report muscle pain and brown urine to us immediately, particularly if accompanied by fever and/or weakness.
Lab tests
In addition to a lipid profile, the blood tests AST and ALT will be done periodically to help assess liver function.
Special instructions
- Always take the prescribed amount of medicine.
- Avoid substantial use of alcohol.
- Antacids with aluminum and magnesium hydroxide should not be taken at the same time as Crestor. The antacid should be taken at least 2 hours after you take Crestor.
- Have lab tests done promptly when ordered to avoid risks.
- If you are taking Coumadin, INR times should be monitored closely.
PRECAUTIONS
Women capable of childbearing must have a pregnancy test (serum HCG) before starting this medication. This is a category X drug and not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.