rosuvastatin – oral, Crestor

USES: Rosuvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps to prevent strokes and heart attacks. In addition to eating a proper diet, other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet before you start taking rosuvastatin and each time you get a refill. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, race, and other medications you may be taking. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use. If you are of Asian descent, your doctor may direct you to start with a lower dose. Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can reduce the absorption of this drug. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. Continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. It is very important to follow your doctor’s advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. SIDE EFFECTS: Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very small number of people taking rosuvastatin may have mild memory problems or confusion. If these rare effects occur, talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: foamy urine. This drug may infrequently cause muscle problems. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms during treatment and if these symptoms persist after your doctor stops this drug: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness, change in the amount of urine. This medication may rarely cause liver problems. If you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects, tell your doctor right away: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Before taking rosuvastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol use. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use. Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk for liver problems. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. Rosuvastatin may harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: blood thinners. Other medications can affect the removal of rosuvastatin from your body, which may affect how rosuvastatin works. One example is cyclosporine, among others. Do not take any red yeast rice products while you are taking rosuvastatin because some red yeast rice products may also contain a statin called lovastatin. Taking rosuvastatin and red yeast rice products together can increase your risk of serious muscle and liver problems. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress.

QUESTION

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.