Crestor® (rosuvastatin) tablets for high cholesterol

What Crestor Is and How It Works

Crestor® is a statin (HMG‑CoA reductase inhibitor) used to lower LDL cholesterol, raise HDL modestly, and reduce triglycerides. It is prescribed for primary hyperlipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, and to reduce cardiovascular risk in appropriate patients. The active ingredient is rosuvastatin calcium, available as oral tablets in 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg strengths taken once daily. Many patients compare Crestor price and the cost of generic rosuvastatin to plan long‑term therapy.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba that follows Canadian pharmacy standards. Licensed pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing. We offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices, and our customer‑service chat is available during posted office hours. When needed, we also work with licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to source authentic brand medications, giving you a broad selection at affordable pricing.

Dosage and Usage

Prescribers select a dose based on LDL goals, risk, age, ancestry, and kidney function. Many adults start at 10 mg once daily. Some start at 5 mg, including patients of Asian ancestry or those with risk factors for muscle effects. For severe hypercholesterolemia or high ASCVD risk, 20 mg may be used. The 40 mg dose is reserved for select patients who need further LDL reduction and tolerate lower doses.

• Take once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day.
• Swallow tablets whole with water.
• Titrate at 2–4 week intervals as directed by the prescriber.
• If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is near the next dose; do not double.

Drug interactions can change exposure. Cyclosporine greatly increases levels. Gemfibrozil increases myopathy risk. Use caution with protease inhibitors and certain antivirals. Antacids with aluminum/magnesium can lower rosuvastatin levels; separate dosing by at least two hours after rosuvastatin. Clinicians may adjust doses for renal impairment.

• Storage: Keep tablets at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) in a dry place. Protect from moisture and light. Keep in the original container.
• Travel: Carry your medication in hand luggage with the pharmacy label. Pack a copy of your prescription. Avoid leaving tablets in hot cars or freezing conditions.

Benefits and Savings

Crestor® lowers LDL cholesterol by about 45% at 10 mg and up to about 63% at 40 mg, on average. It also reduces non‑HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and modestly raises HDL cholesterol. In clinical studies, statin therapy reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and revascularization when used as indicated. Once‑daily dosing supports adherence, and tablets can be taken with or without food.

Ordering through YouDrugstore can offer meaningful savings. Many customers see 60–80% lower costs versus typical U.S. prices, especially when choosing generic rosuvastatin. You can compare brand and generic options and choose the strength that fits your prescription and budget.

Side Effects and Safety

Most patients tolerate rosuvastatin well. Some experience mild effects that often improve with time or dose changes. Serious effects are uncommon, but need prompt medical attention if they occur.

• Common: headache, muscle aches, joint pain, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and weakness.
• Less common: dizziness, constipation or diarrhea, rash, and sleep changes.
• Serious: myopathy or rhabdomyolysis (muscle pain, weakness, dark urine), liver enzyme elevations, rare immune‑mediated necrotizing myopathy, hypersensitivity reactions.

Rosuvastatin may increase blood sugar in some patients and has been associated with rare memory issues. Risk can rise with higher doses, advanced age, kidney impairment, hypothyroidism, or use with interacting medications. Do not use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Patients with active liver disease should not take rosuvastatin. Clinicians may check baseline and follow‑up lipids and may monitor liver enzymes as indicated.

Onset Time

LDL reduction begins within one week of starting therapy. The full effect is usually seen by four weeks. Lipids are often rechecked at four to twelve weeks after starting or changing the dose, then periodically to assess response and adherence.

Compare With Alternatives

Statins differ in potency, metabolism, and interaction profiles. Rosuvastatin is a high‑potency statin with minimal CYP3A4 metabolism, which reduces certain drug‑drug interactions compared to some peers.

Atorvastatin is also high potency and widely used. It has strong LDL‑lowering at moderate to high doses. It is metabolized by CYP3A4, so it has more interactions with macrolides, azoles, and some antivirals. It offers flexible dosing and a broad evidence base for cardiovascular risk reduction.

Lovastatin is an older statin with moderate potency. It is taken with food and has more CYP3A4 interactions. It may suit patients needing modest LDL reduction or those who previously tolerated it well. For higher LDL targets, prescribers often select rosuvastatin or atorvastatin.

Choice depends on LDL targets, comorbidities, drug interactions, and tolerability. Generic options can reduce cost while meeting lipid goals.

Combination Therapy

When LDL targets are not met on a maximally tolerated statin, clinicians may add a non‑statin agent. Ezetimibe can lower LDL a further 15–25% by reducing intestinal cholesterol absorption. PCSK9 inhibitors produce large LDL reductions in very high‑risk patients. For high triglycerides, prescription omega‑3 fatty acids or fenofibrate may be considered; avoid combining gemfibrozil with rosuvastatin due to muscle risk. Low‑dose aspirin and blood pressure control may be part of a broader cardiovascular plan when appropriate.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Rosuvastatin is used for adults with primary or mixed hyperlipidemia, including some patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, and for cardiovascular risk reduction in eligible populations. It is not appropriate in pregnancy, during breastfeeding, or with active liver disease. Prescribers may start at lower doses in patients of Asian ancestry or with kidney impairment and then adjust based on response and tolerability.

To lower costs, consider generic rosuvastatin calcium in the same strength as the prescribed brand. Multi‑month supplies can reduce per‑month expense. You can set up gentle reorder reminders so you do not run out. For education on lipids, read our article The Skinny On High Cholesterol, and visit the High Cholesterol and Hyperlipidemia pages to learn more about these conditions.

For current offers and bulk options, visit our crestor coupon page.

Authoritative Sources

Review the manufacturer’s information on the AstraZeneca Crestor Prescribing Information. Canadian product details are listed in the Health Canada Drug Product Database: Crestor. U.S. safety details are summarized in the FDA rosuvastatin label.

You can order brand Crestor® or generic rosuvastatin from YouDrugstore with a valid prescription. Our team supports you with clear communication and careful dispensing. We offer prompt, express, cold-chain shipping to the U.S., with tracking and discreet packaging.

Disclaimer: This page provides general product information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the patient leaflet. Seek care right away for signs of serious adverse reactions or overdose.