Crestor® (Rosuvastatin) Tablets: Uses, Dosage, and Savings

What Crestor® Is and How It Works

Rosuvastatin calcium is a statin used to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and to raise HDL in many patients with dyslipidemia. It is the active ingredient in the brand Crestor®. The medicine comes as oral tablets in common strengths such as 5 mg, 10 mg, rosuvastatin calcium 20 mg, and 40 mg.

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Rosuvastatin blocks HMG-CoA reductase in the liver. This reduces cholesterol production and increases LDL receptor activity, which clears LDL particles from the blood. Indications include primary hyperlipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. It also reduces cardiovascular risk in appropriate adults with established disease or multiple risk factors.

Tablets are taken by mouth once daily, with or without food, at any time of day. Dose is individualized based on LDL goals, risk profile, and tolerability.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical adult start: 5–10 mg once daily. Many patients use 10 mg; some need 20 mg. A 40 mg dose is reserved for those who have not met goals at lower doses.
• Take at the same time each day, with or without food. Swallow tablets with water. Do not crush or split unless your prescriber has advised it.
• Titrate in 4-week intervals as needed to reach lipid targets. Higher doses often produce larger LDL reductions.
• Some populations (for example, Asian ancestry, severe renal impairment) may require lower starting doses and lower maximum doses. Follow prescriber directions.
• Drug interactions may increase muscle side effects. Avoid gemfibrozil. Use caution with cyclosporine or certain HIV/HCV protease inhibitors. Tell your prescriber about all medicines and supplements.
• Missed dose: take when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. If the next dose is due within 12 hours, skip the missed dose. Do not double up.
• Alcohol and liver disease increase the risk of liver enzyme elevations. Discuss use if you have a history of liver problems.
• Contraindicated in pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Stop therapy and contact your prescriber if pregnancy occurs.

• Store your tablets at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Brief excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are acceptable.
• Keep tablets dry and in the original container with the label. Protect from moisture and heat. Do not store in a bathroom.
• For travel, keep your medicine in a carry-on bag with the labeled container. Avoid leaving it in a hot car.
• If using a pill organizer, carry a copy of your prescription. Keep desiccants in the bottle if provided.
• Do not use tablets past the expiration date. Ask a pharmacist how to dispose of unused tablets.

Benefits and Savings

Rosuvastatin provides strong LDL reduction. Many patients see LDL drop by about 45–55% at 10–20 mg, and up to about 63% at 40 mg. It also reduces triglycerides and modestly raises HDL. Once-daily dosing improves convenience, and tablets can be taken any time of day.

Buying from Canada can lower out-of-pocket costs. You may save 60–80% versus typical US prices, depending on strength and quantity. Multi-month supplies often reduce the per-month cost, and you can turn on reorder reminders in your account so you do not run out.

For extra savings, see rosuvastatin calcium coupons on our promotions page.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache, dizziness, or fatigue
• Muscle aches, weakness, or joint pain
• Abdominal discomfort, nausea, or constipation
• Mild increases in liver enzymes on blood tests
• Protein in the urine (usually transient and not clinically significant)

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include myopathy or rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, severe liver injury, allergic reactions, or very rare memory changes. Seek urgent care for severe muscle pain with dark urine, marked weakness, or signs of liver problems such as yellowing skin or eyes. Risk increases with interacting drugs, hypothyroidism, older age, or heavy alcohol use.

Onset Time

LDL and triglycerides begin to improve within 1–2 weeks. Near-maximal lipid reduction is usually seen by 4 weeks at a stable dose. Blood work is often checked 4–12 weeks after starting or changing the dose, and then periodically to confirm that cholesterol goals are being met.

Compare With Alternatives

Atorvastatin offers similar LDL lowering and is another high-intensity statin option at higher doses. Some patients may respond better to rosuvastatin, and others to atorvastatin, based on individual metabolism and interactions.

Pravastatin and simvastatin are older statins with more moderate LDL lowering. They may suit patients who need milder reductions or have interaction concerns, but they often do not match the LDL reduction seen with rosuvastatin calcium 20 mg.

Ezetimibe works in the intestine to reduce cholesterol absorption and can be added to rosuvastatin when further LDL reduction is needed. For very high-risk patients not at goal on maximally tolerated statin therapy, PCSK9 inhibitors may be considered.

Combination Therapy

• Rosuvastatin plus ezetimibe: adds about 15–25% extra LDL lowering.
• Rosuvastatin plus fenofibrate: consider for mixed dyslipidemia; avoid gemfibrozil due to higher myopathy risk.
• Rosuvastatin plus omega-3 fatty acids or icosapent ethyl: supports triglyceride reduction.
• Rosuvastatin with PCSK9 inhibitors: for very high-risk patients needing large LDL reductions.
• Warfarin users may need closer INR monitoring when starting or adjusting rosuvastatin.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Rosuvastatin suits many adults with high LDL cholesterol, mixed dyslipidemia, or hypertriglyceridemia, and those needing cardiovascular risk reduction. It is also used for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia with specialist guidance. It is not for use in pregnancy or during breastfeeding.

Those with active liver disease, severe renal impairment, untreated hypothyroidism, a history of statin intolerance, or heavy alcohol intake may need special consideration or alternative therapy. Individuals of Asian ancestry may need lower starting doses due to higher exposure. Review all medicines and supplements for interactions.

Practical ways to save:

• Choose the tablet strength that matches the prescribed dose to avoid splitting tablets.
• Order a multi-month supply when appropriate to lower the per-month cost.
• Create an account to set gentle reorder reminders.
• Combine prescriptions in one shipment when possible to reduce shipping fees.
• Check the promotions page periodically for new offers.

Authoritative Sources

Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) Prescribing Information – AstraZeneca

FDA Medication Guide for Crestor (Rosuvastatin Calcium)

Health Canada Drug Product Database

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This page is educational and does not replace guidance from your health professional. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the patient information that comes with your medicine.