Why is this drug prescribed?

Crestor tablets contain the active ingredient rosuvastatin calcium, which is a type of drug called a statin. It works by reducing the production of cholesterol by the liver. For the sake of simplicity, there are two sorts of cholesterol; a 'bad' sort called low density lipoprotein and a 'good' sort called high density lipoprotein. LDL is deposited in the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease by clogging and narrowing the arteries, while HDL actually protects the arteries against this. Rosuvastatin decreases the production of LDL cholesterol by blocking the action of the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for its production. This decreases the amount of cholesterol in the liver cells, which causes them to take up LDL cholesterol from the blood. The decreased cholesterol production and increased removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood ultimately results in lowered blood cholesterol levels. Rosuvastatin also causes a small decrease in the production of other 'bad fats' in the blood called triglycerides, and a small increase in the level of HDL cholesterol. This results in lowered levels of 'bad fats' and raised levels of 'good fats'. Statins have an important role in the prevention of coronary heart disease. They reduce the risk of excess cholesterol being deposited in the major blood vessels of the heart. Any blockage in the blood vessels limits the amount of blood and therefore oxygen being carried to the heart muscle. This can cause chest pain and in severe cases can result in a heart attack. Rosuvastatin is used to lower cholesterol in people who have high levels either due to genetics or as a result of diet and lifestyle. This helps to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, angina and heart attacks. It is important to continue to follow a cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise regime while taking rosuvastatin. Discuss this with your doctor.

Treatments

* High blood cholesterol levels * Inherited high blood cholesterol levels * Inherited high levels of fat in the blood

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Headache * Dizziness * Abdominal pain * Constipation * Nausea * Pain in the muscles * Weakness or loss of strength * Skin reactions such as rash and itch * Disorder of the muscles * Muscle breakdown * Pain in the joints * Alteration in results of liver function tests * Presence of protein or blood in the urine * Inflammation of the liver