Crestor (Rosuvastatin): Cholesterol Uses, Safety and Interactions

What this tablet is used for

Crestor contains rosuvastatin, a statin that lowers LDL cholesterol. Treatment can help protect against heart attacks and strokes in appropriate patients. It may also be prescribed for inherited high cholesterol. This profile concerns the 20 mg oral film-coated tablet; it does not establish that this strength is suitable for every patient. The medicine works alongside diet, activity and other cardiovascular care.

Understanding ongoing treatment

High cholesterol usually has no obvious symptoms, so feeling well does not show whether treatment is still needed. Rosuvastatin is commonly a long-term medicine. Follow the instructions on the actual packet and discuss problems taking it with a pharmacist. Taking extra tablets to compensate for a missed dose can be harmful. Cholesterol checks help the prescriber assess the response, rather than judging the effect from symptoms alone.

Side effects and urgent warning signs

Headache, nausea, digestive upset, dizziness and muscle aches can occur. Severe or unexplained muscle pain or weakness, especially with dark urine or marked illness, needs prompt medical assessment because muscle breakdown can affect the kidneys. Yellowing of the skin or eyes also requires assessment. The US label excludes acute liver failure and decompensated cirrhosis. Kidney problems, untreated hypothyroidism and certain interacting medicines can increase muscle toxicity risk.

Medicines that need particular attention

The current US label warns about combinations including ciclosporin, gemfibrozil and several antiviral regimens. Some combinations should be avoided; others require a different prescribed strength or monitoring. Warfarin may require closer INR checks, and aluminium/magnesium antacids have timing instructions. A prescription for 20 mg does not override these restrictions. Have the complete prescription, supplement and nonprescription medicine list reviewed.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and source scope

FDA no longer applies an absolute pregnancy prohibition to all statin users, but most pregnant patients still need statin treatment suspended under medical supervision; exceptional high-risk cases require individual assessment. Report pregnancy promptly. Breastfeeding is not recommended during Crestor treatment in the US label. This is a US-label-based safety summary with NHS patient guidance; local product approvals and instructions may differ.

Sources

• Crestor oral tablets: US product information — US prescribing information revised September 2026; DailyMed updated 23 September 2026
• NHS guidance on rosuvastatin — Patient medicine guidance; checked 30 October 2026
• FDA safety communication on statins in pregnancy — Drug Safety Communication, 20 July 2021

Source check: 30 October 2026. This records a source check, not a clinical review by a doctor or pharmacist. Use the current leaflet supplied with your medicine and seek qualified advice for personal treatment.