Crestor

Crestor is the brand name for rosuvastatin, a prescription statin medication used to lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in certain patients. It is often prescribed as part of a broader cholesterol management plan that includes diet, exercise, and other medications if needed.

Rosuvastatin works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This leads to increased expression of LDL receptors on liver cells, which pulls more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. In addition to lowering LDL, rosuvastatin can modestly raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels.

Indications include treatment of primary hyperlipidemia (including mixed dyslipidemia), management of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, and reduction of cardiovascular risk in at-risk adults. It is also used in some pediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolemia under specialist supervision.

Typical dosing ranges from 5 to 40 mg once daily, with adjustments made based on response and tolerability. The starting dose often falls at 5 or 10 mg daily, and changes are usually made at least four weeks apart. Crestor can be taken with or without food. Dose adjustments are necessary for individuals with liver impairment or certain ethnic backgrounds that affect drug exposure.

Contraindications include active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in liver enzymes, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Cautions include the potential for liver injury and myopathy, especially with certain drug interactions or high doses. Common side effects include headache and muscle pain; more serious risks require medical attention.

Crestor is marketed by AstraZeneca and is also available as a generic rosuvastatin in many regions.