FDA ALERT:  Rhabdomyolysis (serious muscle damage) has been reported in patients taking Crestor as well as other statin drugs.  To date, it does not appear that the risk is greater with Crestor than with other marketed statins.  However, the labeling for Crestor is being revised to highlight important information on the safe use of Crestor to reduce the risk for serious muscle damage, especially at the highest approved dose of 40 mg.  In addition, a study has found that the amount of drug in the blood of a diverse group of Asian patients taking Crestor was two times higher than for Caucasians patients in the study.  Therefore, the labeling for Crestor will now recommend a lower starting dose of 5 mg for Asian patients.  Kidney failure of various types has also been reported in patients treated with Crestor as well as other statins.  FDA has determined that there is not enough evidence to conclude that kidney damage is a direct result of Crestor therapy.  If you are currently taking Crestor or any statin and develop signs and symptoms of muscle pain and weakness, fever, dark urine, nausea or vomiting, you should contact your healthcare professional right away.

What Is Crestor?

Crestor is a medicine that lowers "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raises "good" cholesterol in the blood. Crestor is part of a treatment program that should also include a low-fat diet and exercise.

 

Who Should Not Take Crestor?

Do not take Crestor if you:

Crestor has not been studied in children.

 

What Are The Risks?

Crestor may cause rare, but serious, side effects including:

Muscle damage. Crestor can cause serious muscle damage that can lead to kidney damage. The risk of muscle damage may be increased by taking certain drugs. Crestor should be used with caution if you have kidney problems, advanced age, and hypothyroidism because you are at a greater risk of muscle damage. Tell your healthcare professional if you develop unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness while on Crestor, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever.

Liver damage. Crestor can cause liver damage like other lipid lowering medicines. This risk may be increased when Crestor is used with certain medicines. Your healthcare professional may do blood tests to check your liver before you start taking Crestor, and while you take it. Crestor should be used with caution if you have a history of liver disease or drink substantial amounts of alcohol.
Other side effects include muscle pain, constipation, weakness, abdominal pain, and nausea

 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Professional?

Before starting Crestor, tell your healthcare professional about all your medical conditions, including if you:

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over the counter drugs, and supplements. Crestor and certain medicines may interact with each other causing serious side effects. Crestor and other medicines may affect each other, causing serious side effects. Especially tell your healthcare professional if you take: