Medically known as Rosuvastatin, it is used to correct the levels of lipids, fatty substances in the blood, the most common of which is cholesterol.
How does it work?
It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver.
As we mentioned earlier in our blog there are different types of cholesterol found in the blood; ‘Good’ cholesterol (HDL-C) and ‘Bad’ Cholesterol (LDL-C).
When Rosuvastatin is used with a proper diet, it will help in lowering ‘bad’ cholesterol and fats (like triglycerides, LDL) and increasing the ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. This technique will decrease heart disease risk and help in preventing strokes and heart attacks.
Proper diet (low cholesterol / low-fat diet) and other lifestyle changes (exercising, weight loss if overweight, smoking cessation) can help this drug in working better and achieving best results.
How shall I take Crestor? and does it interact with other drugs?
Take your medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually it is prescribed once daily, however your dose will depend on your medical condition.
Try your best to take it regularly at the same time each day, and keep taking it even if you are feeling well because most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides don’t feel sick.
It’s very important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you use including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs and herbal products.
Stay alert when you are using Antacids specially the ones containing Aluminum or Magnesium because it can reduce the drug’s absorption, if you are taking this type of antacid, take it at least 2 hours after Crestor.
What are the bad side effects of Crestor?
- Headache
- Depression
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Sleep problems (insomnia or nightmare)
- Muscle aches or pain
- Constipation
Why is Crestor better than Lipitor?
Based on research and studies, they concluded that Crestor lowered LDL cholesterol by 8.2% more than Lipitor. In addition to that, Crestor lowered total cholesterol significantly more than all the other statins. It also increased HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) more than Lipitor did.
