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Uses of Crestor

CRESTOR™, a once-daily oral tablet, works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase: an enzyme that is crucial for cholesterol synthesis. By inhibiting this enzyme less cholesterol is synthesised in the liver - which is where most of the body’s cholesterol is produced. This in turn leads to a reduction in the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

How to take Crestor

The dose range for Crestor is 5 to 40 mg once daily. Therapy with Crestor should be individualized according to goal of therapy and response. The recommended usual starting dose of Crestor is 10 mg once daily in patients with hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia. Initiation of therapy with 5 mg once daily may be considered for patients requiring less aggressive LDL-C reductions or who have predisposing factors for myopathy. For patients with marked hypercholesterolemia (LDL-C >190 mg/dL) and aggressive lipid targets, a 20 mg start dose may be considered. The 40 mg dose should be reserved for those patients who have not achieved goal LDL-C at 20 mg. After initiation and/or upon titration of Crestor, lipid levels should be analyzed within 2 to 4 weeks and dosage adjusted accordingly.

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness, constipation, headache, or stomach upset. If these continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY INFREQUENTLY cause muscle damage that can rarely lead to a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis. STOP TAKING THIS MEDCINE AND CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you develop muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness). CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, severe nausea, or stomach pain. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

IT MAY TAKE 2 to 4 WEEKS before the full benefits of this medicine take effect. Follow the diet plan provided by your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests including liver function tests and blood cholesterol levels may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. DAILY USE OF ALCOHOL may increase your chance for serious side effects. Limit alcoholic beverages. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. It is recommended that women of childbearing age use effective birth control measures while taking this medicine, since it may cause fetal harm. Consult your doctor for more information. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

The benefit of further alterations in lipid levels by the combined use of Crestor with fibrates or niacin should be carefully weighed against the potential risk of this combination. Combination therapy with Crestor and gemfibrozil should generally be avoided.

It is recommended that liver function tests be performed before and at 12 weeks following both the initiation of therapy and any elevation of dose, and periodically (e.g., semiannually) thereafter.

If you miss a dose, do not double the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.