Crestor 20 Mg Tablet (15 Tab)

CRESTOR 20 MG TABLET

CRESTOR 20 MG TABLET is a medication manufactured by ASTRAZENECA PHARMA INDIA LIMITED, primarily used to manage cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.

• Name

  • Common Name: Rosuvastatin Calcium
  • Brand Name: Crestor

• Composition

  • Active Ingredient: Each tablet contains Rosuvastatin calcium equivalent to 20 mg of Rosuvastatin.
  • Inactive Ingredients: 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 and exercise to:

  • Lower elevated levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B (ApoB).
  • Increase levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL-C).
  • Reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, and arterial revascularization procedures, in adults at increased risk.
  • Slow the progression of atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels) in adults.
  • Treat inherited forms of high cholesterol, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (in adults and children aged 8 years and older) and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (in adults and children aged 7 years and older).

• Dosage and Administration

  • CRESTOR 20 mg is typically taken orally once daily, with or without food.
  • Tablets should be swallowed whole.
  • The usual starting adult dosage range for Crestor is 10 to 20 mg once daily, with a maximum recommended dose of 40 mg once daily.
  • Dosage adjustments may be made by a healthcare professional as early as 4 weeks after initiation, based on cholesterol levels.
  • If a dose is missed, do not take an extra dose; resume treatment with the next scheduled dose.
  • If taking aluminum and magnesium hydroxide antacids, CRESTOR should be administered at least 2 hours before the antacid.

• Side Effects

  • Common/Mild Side Effects: Headache, nausea, constipation, mild muscle pain, weakness, dizziness, joint pain, and abdominal pain.
  • Serious Side Effects: Include liver damage (symptoms like jaundice, dark urine, fatigue), severe muscle damage (myopathy, rhabdomyolysis which can lead to kidney failure), pancreatitis, increases in blood sugar levels (potentially leading to Type 2 diabetes), severe skin reactions (rash, hives, swelling), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, peripheral neuropathy, interstitial lung disease, and cognitive impairment (memory loss, confusion).

• Precautions

  • Contraindications: CRESTOR is contraindicated in patients with acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis, and in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to rosuvastatin or any excipients in the tablet.
  • Muscle Problems: The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased in patients who are 65 years or older, have uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, or are of Asian heritage.
  • Drug Interactions: Concomitant use with certain medications (e.g., cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, some antiviral drugs, niacin, fibrates, colchicine) may increase the risk of muscle problems.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: CRESTOR is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception.
  • Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake may increase the risk of liver injury.
  • Monitoring: Regular blood tests to monitor cholesterol levels, liver enzymes, and blood sugar levels are recommended during treatment.

• Storage

  • Store CRESTOR tablets at a controlled room temperature, typically between 20-25°C (68-77°F).
  • Protect from moisture.
  • Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about CRESTOR 20 MG TABLET (15 TAB).

What is CRESTOR 20 MG TABLET used for?

CRESTOR (rosuvastatin) 20 mg is primarily used to lower high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. This helps reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and the need for arterial revascularization procedures in adults who are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It also helps slow the progression of atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits build up in the arteries, and is used to treat certain hereditary forms of high cholesterol like heterozygous and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in both adults and some children.

How does CRESTOR work?

CRESTOR belongs to a class of medicines called statins. Its active ingredient, rosuvastatin, works by blocking an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase, which is crucial for the production of cholesterol in the body. By inhibiting this enzyme, CRESTOR reduces the amount of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL-C) and triglycerides, while also increasing "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein or HDL-C), and improving the body's ability to remove cholesterol from the blood.

What is the usual dosage for CRESTOR 20 MG TABLET?

CRESTOR 20 mg tablets are typically taken orally once a day, with or without food, at any time of day, but generally at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body. Your doctor will determine the appropriate starting dose, which can range from 5 mg to 40 mg daily for adults. The dosage may be adjusted based on your cholesterol levels and individual risk factors, usually after about four weeks. For individuals of Asian descent, a lower starting dose of 5 mg once daily is often recommended, and the dose generally should not exceed 20 mg once daily due to increased rosuvastatin plasma concentrations.

What are the possible side effects of CRESTOR?

Common side effects can include headache, stomach pain, nausea, constipation, muscle pain, weakness, dizziness, and joint pain. Infrequent but serious side effects include unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (myopathy), especially if accompanied by fever or unusual tiredness, which could indicate a severe muscle breakdown called rhabdomyolysis that can lead to kidney failure. Other serious side effects may involve liver problems (unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes), severe allergic reactions (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, severe itching), and an increase in blood sugar levels that could lead to diabetes. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects.

Is CRESTOR safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, CRESTOR is generally not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is not recommended for use by pregnant women as it may cause harm to the unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking CRESTOR, you should stop taking it immediately and consult your doctor. Women of childbearing potential should use effective birth control methods while on this medication. CRESTOR can also pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant, so breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medicine.

Can CRESTOR be taken with other medications?

CRESTOR can interact with several other medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Significant interactions include cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, certain antiviral medications (used to treat HIV or Hepatitis C), other fibrate cholesterol-lowering drugs, high doses of niacin, and warfarin (a blood thinner). Taking CRESTOR with certain antacids (those containing aluminum and magnesium hydroxide) can make CRESTOR less effective; it is recommended to take CRESTOR at least 2 hours before such antacids.

What precautions should be taken while on CRESTOR?

Before starting CRESTOR, discuss your complete medical history with your doctor, especially if you have liver disease, kidney disease, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, myasthenia, or if you consume large amounts of alcohol. Your doctor will likely perform blood tests to check your liver function and monitor your blood sugar levels throughout treatment, particularly if you have diabetes or are at risk. It's crucial to follow a cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise regimen as advised by your doctor to achieve the best results from CRESTOR. Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor, even if your cholesterol levels have improved.

What happens if a dose of CRESTOR is missed?

If you miss a dose of CRESTOR, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose (generally within 12 hours), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed one.

How should CRESTOR be stored?

CRESTOR tablets should be stored at room temperature, typically between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F), away from moisture, heat, and direct light. It should be kept in its original packaging and out of the reach and sight of children. Do not freeze the medication.