Crestor, the brand name for rosuvastatin, is considered a statin or HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, which functions by reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol that circulates through the bloodstream. Statin medications are grouped into low, medium, and high potency. Crestor is a high-potency statin, meaning it will result in the largest drop of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Like any other statin, Crestor is used for the reduction of LDL cholesterol & triglyceride levels, and also for blood-vessel stabilization after a heart attack or stroke. LDL is sometimes referred to as bad cholesterol and can cause blood vessels to become blocked. This can significantly increase the risk of serious health problems, such as premature coronary heart disease, leading to heart attack and stroke. Triglycerides are fats in the blood, which can also contribute to blocked arteries (atherosclerosis). Statins, including Crestor, do not lower blood pressure or blood sugar.
Crestor is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under its chemical name, rosuvastatin.
Crestor may be prescribed as a tablet. Patients are advised to take Crestor tablets whole to ensure efficient delivery of rosuvastatin calcium in the medication. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage that you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed the statin Crestor, be sure to take it as prescribed unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.
If you don’t adhere to your prescription, the statin may not fully treat your high cholesterol. Cholesterol-lowering medicines are usually taken chronically to help lower and then maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Crestor tablets do not only work on LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels in the body. Along with other treatment mechanisms, Crestor tablets can also help to improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol) and reduce the triglyceride levels in the body.
