Crestor 5 Mg Tablet (15 Tab)

CRESTOR 5 MG TABLET

CRESTOR 5 MG TABLET is a prescription medication manufactured by ASTRA ZENECA PHARMA INDIA LTD, used to manage cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Name

• Common Name: Rosuvastatin calcium
• Brand Name: CRESTOR

Composition Each tablet contains 5 mg of rosuvastatin (as rosuvastatin calcium). Inactive ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, tribasic calcium phosphate, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, triacetin, titanium dioxide, yellow ferric oxide, and red ferric oxide.

Uses CRESTOR is prescribed as an adjunct to diet to:

• Lower elevated levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides.
• Increase "good" cholesterol (HDL-C).
• Slow the progression of atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty deposits in arteries).
• Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in adults at increased risk.
• Treat primary hyperlipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in adults and children 8 years and older, and primary dysbetalipoproteinemia.

Dosage and Administration The usual dosage range for CRESTOR is 5 mg to 40 mg taken orally once daily, with or without food. The typical starting dose is 10 mg to 20 mg once daily. For certain populations, such as Asian patients or those with severe renal impairment, a starting dose of 5 mg once daily is recommended. Dosage adjustments should be made at intervals of 4 weeks or more, based on individual response.

Side Effects

• Common Side Effects: Headache, nausea, muscle aches/pain, weakness, constipation, abdominal pain, dizziness, and joint pain.
• Serious Side Effects: Muscle problems (myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy) potentially leading to kidney damage, liver damage, pancreatitis, and elevated blood sugar levels which can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Precautions CRESTOR is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. Caution is advised for individuals over 65 years of age, those with kidney problems, hypothyroidism, or of Asian heritage, as they may have an increased risk of side effects. Important drug interactions include cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, certain antiviral medications, and fusidic acid (concomitant use not recommended or contraindicated). Antacids containing aluminum and magnesium hydroxide should be taken at least 2 hours after CRESTOR.

Storage Store CRESTOR tablets at controlled room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), protected from moisture, and in a tightly sealed container. Keep out of reach of children.

CRESTOR 5 MG TABLET (15 TAB) by ASTRA ZENECA PHARMA INDIA LTD is a commonly prescribed medication. Below are some frequently asked questions about this medicine.

What is Crestor (rosuvastatin) used for?

Crestor (rosuvastatin) is a statin medication used to lower high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It helps reduce "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while increasing "good" cholesterol (HDL). By doing so, it helps to slow the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. It can be used in adults and children aged 6 years and older with certain types of high cholesterol.

How does Crestor work?

Crestor belongs to a class of medicines called statins, which are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. It works by blocking an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase in the liver. This enzyme is crucial for the body's production of cholesterol. By inhibiting this enzyme, Crestor reduces the amount of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) produced by the body and enhances the liver's ability to remove existing cholesterol from the blood.

What is the usual dosage of Crestor 5 mg?

The usual dosage range for Crestor in adults is 5 to 40 mg once daily. For the 5 mg tablet, it is typically taken once a day, with or without food, at the same time each day. Your doctor will determine the appropriate starting dose and may adjust it based on your cholesterol levels and individual risk factors. In some cases, such as for individuals of Asian ancestry or those with severe kidney problems, a starting dose of 5 mg once daily is recommended due to potentially higher drug concentrations.

What are the possible side effects of Crestor?

Common but generally mild side effects of Crestor include headache, nausea, constipation, muscle pain, weakness, dizziness, and joint pain. More serious but rare side effects can include liver damage, severe muscle problems (myopathy, rhabdomyolysis), which can lead to kidney failure, and increased blood sugar levels that may raise the risk of type 2 diabetes. If you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially with fever or unusual tiredness, or symptoms of liver problems (e.g., dark urine, yellowing skin/eyes, upper belly pain), contact your doctor immediately.

Is Crestor safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Crestor is generally not recommended during pregnancy. Statins like Crestor may cause harm to an unborn baby because cholesterol is essential for fetal development. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor to discuss alternative treatments.

It is also generally not recommended to breastfeed while taking Crestor. Limited data suggests that rosuvastatin can pass into breast milk, and there's a concern about its potential effect on a baby's developing brain, as cholesterol is vital for infant growth. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks and help you decide the best course of action.

Can Crestor be taken with other medications?

Crestor can interact with certain other medications, which may increase the risk of side effects or alter its effectiveness. Important interactions include:

• Antacids containing aluminum and magnesium hydroxide: These should be taken at least two hours after Crestor to avoid reduced absorption of Crestor.
• Fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate): Taking these with Crestor can increase the risk of severe muscle problems. Concomitant use with gemfibrozil is generally not recommended.
• Certain antiviral medications (e.g., for HIV or hepatitis C), cyclosporine, darolutamide, regorafenib, febuxostat, tafamidis: These can significantly increase rosuvastatin levels, raising the risk of muscle damage. Dosage adjustments for Crestor may be necessary or concomitant use may be avoided.
• Warfarin (a blood thinner): Crestor can increase warfarin's effect, leading to a higher risk of bleeding. Close monitoring of INR (International Normalized Ratio) is required.
• Niacin: Concomitant use may increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

Always inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while on Crestor?

Before taking Crestor, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have liver or kidney problems, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), a history of muscle problems (especially those related to statin use), or if you consume large amounts of alcohol. Being 65 years or older or of Asian heritage can also increase the risk of side effects, and your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose. Regular blood tests to monitor liver function and cholesterol levels are typically performed during treatment.

What happens if a dose of Crestor is missed?

If you miss a dose of Crestor, take it as soon as you remember. However, do not take two doses within 12 hours of each other. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should Crestor 5 mg tablets be stored?

Crestor tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature, typically between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), in a tightly sealed container. It should be protected from moisture and kept out of the reach and sight of children. Do not store it in damp places like bathrooms, and do not use expired medication.