Crestor belongs to the group of medicines known as Statins.

Crestor is used to lower cholesterol and other lipids (fats) in the blood. Cholesterol is made naturally in the body and is absorbed from the food we eat. If levels of cholesterol are too high in the bloodstream, it is deposited on the walls of blood vessels. Eventually this leads to the narrowing of the blood vessels and can cause them to block completely.

High levels of cholesterol can cause problems if left untreated. Crestor may help prevent medical problems caused by cholesterol such as heart disease.

Before taking Crestor

Before taking Crestor make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
  
• if you have any liver problems or have ever had a disease which affected your liver
  
• if you have any kidney problems
  
• if you suffer from myopathy (a condition that affects your muscles)
  
• if you have an under-active thyroid gland
  
• if you are under 18 or over 70 years old
  
• if you drink a lot of alcohol
  
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
  
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines
  
  

How to take Crestor

• Take Crestor exactly as directed by your doctor
  
• Try to take at the same time each day to avoid missing a dose
  
• If you forget to take a dose wait until your next dose is due then carry on as before. Don't take extra to try and catch up.
  
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Crestor contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  
  

Getting the most from your treatment

• Don't stop taking Crestor without checking with your doctor first. When you stop taking Crestor, your cholesterol levels may increase.
  
• Crestor can cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs, which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
  
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will have to undergo tests, particularly when you first start treatment, to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
  
• Avoid drinking alcohol while you are being treated with Crestor. Alcohol can increase your cholesterol levels.
  
• Women of childbearing age should not take Crestor unless they are using an effective contraceptive. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. If you do become pregnant, stop taking Crestor immediately.
  
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking Crestor.
  
  

Side Effects:

Along with their desired effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Headache, muscle ache, stomach pain, weakness, constipation, dizziness or feeling sick.

Important: If you develop discoloured urine (dark red, or brownish), muscle tenderness, stiffness, pain or a generalised feeling of weakness contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to Crestor, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Crestor

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
  
• Keep Crestor in the packaging they came in
  
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and light
  
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you