Product Details: Crestor (Rosuvastatin Calcium)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: AstraZeneca

Generic Options - Manufacturer: Generic

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also known as a "statin") used with a proper diet to help lower cholesterol and fat (triglyceride) levels and to raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels in your blood.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. DO NOT TAKE ANTACIDS for at least 2 hours after taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. This medicine should be taken regularly to get the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you remember. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE TAKING THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it, to other similar medicines, or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE 2 to 4 WEEKS before the full benefit of this medicine is seen. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function tests, kidney function tests, and blood cholesterol levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. 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. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN ASIAN PATIENTS AND IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially serious muscle problems (such as muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness). Contact your doctor for more information. FOR WOMEN: If you are able to become pregnant, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the use of effective birth control while taking this medicine. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include constipation, headache, stomach upset, or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY RARELY cause muscle damage that can lead to a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis. STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE AND CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you develop fever; muscle pain, cramping, tenderness, or weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness); chest pain; yellowing eyes and skin; dark urine; nausea or vomiting; 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.

Active Ingredients

Rosuvastatin Calcium