Crestor is from a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. These drugs are more commonly known as statins. Crestor works by lowering the body’s levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) whilst raising levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Crestor is most commonly used to lower cholesterol and to treat heart problems such as coronary heart disease. Although this drug is usually given to adults, it can be given to children as young as 10.

Warnings About Crestor

Crestor should never be taken by people who are allergic to it or by women who are nursing or pregnant. Patients who have diabetes, a thyroid disorder, or liver or kidney disease should use extreme caution when taking this drug.

Although it is highly unlikely, Crestor may cause severe damage to the skeletal muscle tissues. In some rare cases, it has even caused kidney failure. The patient should seek medical help immediately if he or she experiences fatigue, muscle pain, unexplainable fevers, or dark colored urine.

Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels and, therefore, should be avoided by those who are taking Crestor. Crestor will only be effective if the patient exercises regularly, controls his or her weight, and follows a proper diet.

Before Taking this Drug

The patient may need to undergo certain tests to help determine the proper dosage of Crestor if he or she has diabetes, liver or kidney disease, a thyroid disorder, or is of Asian descent. People of Asian descent may absorb the drug more readily than those of other nationalities.

Serious side effects may occur if Crestor is combined with drugs such as danazol (Danocrine), fenofibrate (Lipofen), and amiodarone (Pacerone). Also, Crestor does not react well with many heart and blood pressure medications, antifungal medications, and even some antibiotics. Crestor should never be taken with steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, cancer medications, or any other pharmaceuticals that weaken the immune system.

The doctor should also be informed about any vitamins and/or natural supplements his or her patient is taking.

How to Take Crestor

Crestor must always be taken exactly as the patient’s doctor prescribes. This drug can be taken on an empty stomach. However, it is recommended that it be taken at the same time every day. The medicine should always be kept away from heat, light, and moisture.

Use of Crestor may need to be stopped for a short time if the patient experiences seizures, severe infections, odd potassium levels, dehydration, low blood pressure, or some other serious medical emergency.  In order to determine if the drug is working properly, the patient will need to regularly undergo blood and liver function tests. Some patients have to take Crestor on a long term basis.

Important Dosage Information

If a dose of the medicine is accidentally missed, the patient should never try to make up for it. Too much Crestor can cause an overdose. If an overdose occurs, the patient should call a Poison Control Center or seek some other type of emergency help immediately.

What to Avoid While Taking Crestor

To ensure proper absorption of the drug, antacids should be avoided for at least two hours after taking Crestor. Consumption of alcohol may cause severe liver damage. Grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and other grapefruit products may cause severe side effects when combined with Crestor.