Rosuvastatin Calcium

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Feb 24, 2023

Warnings

Rosuvastatin Calcium (Crestor) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Rosuvastatin can cause or worsen health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options for high cholesterol if you are at risk of complications from rosuvastatin use.

RHABDOMYOLYSIS : Taking Crestor (rosuvastatin) can cause a rare but life-threatening medical condition called rhabdomyolysis which is associated with muscle damage. Other effects, such as immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, a type of autoimmune myopathy, have also been linked to the use of statins. Stop taking rosuvastatin and call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention if you develop severe muscle pain, dark urine, fever, and unusual tiredness or weakness while on this medicine. The risk of muscle problems is higher in elderly patients (age 65 years and older), in those who are on high doses of rosuvastatin (40 mg or more), and people with kidney problems or uncontrolled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland). Interactions with other drugs can also increase rosuvastatin levels in the body and lead to an increased risk of rhabdomyolysis. Don't start any new medications while on rosuvastatin without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
LIVER DAMAGE: Rarely, rosuvastatin can cause serious liver damage that can lead to liver failure. The risks is higher in people with pre-existing liver problems and those who drink large amounts of alcohol. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms such as right upper stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. Your healthcare provider will order blood tests to check your liver function before and during rosuvastatin treatment. You may need to stop rosuvastatin if you develop liver damage.
INCREASED BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS: Taking rosuvastatin may increase blood sugars levels and lead to higher hemoglobin A1C levels (HbA1C is a measure of blood sugar levels over the past three months and is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes). Ask your doctor about the benefits versus risks of taking statins. Before starting rosuvastatin, tell your doctor if you have high blood sugar or diabetes. Your doctor may ask you to check your blood glucose levels more frequently. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting regular exercise can help keep your blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels in check.
BLEEDING RISK: People who take a blood thinner medication such as warfarin (Coumadin) are at increased risk of bleeding complications when taking rosuvastatin because of interactions between the medications. Your healthcare provider will check your INR before starting you on rosuvastatin and periodically during treatment to make sure it is within the desired range. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising or dark stools. Seek medical attention after any physical injuries to rule out internal bleeding.
RISK DURING PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING: Rosuvastatin can be harmful to unborn babies and breastfed babies. This medicine should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding. Before starting rosuvastatin, tell your doctor if you're pregnant, could be pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Your provider can suggest other safer drugs for you.

Precautions Before Starting Rosuvastatin Calcium (Crestor)

Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to rosuvastatin calcium, other statins, or any other medicines. Your pharmacy can give you a list of active and inactive ingredients in rosuvastatin calcium formulations.

Some medications should not be taken together with rosuvastatin. Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medicines, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid dangerous interactions between medications.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Rosuvastatin may not be right for people with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, low blood pressure, muscle aches, or excessive alcohol use. It may also not be the best choice for people of Asian descent and those above 65 years of age.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or are breast feeding. Rosuvastatin calcium can be harmful to an unborn baby or breast-fed baby.

Precautions During Use of Rosuvastatin Calcium (Crestor)

Keep all your healthcare appointments during treatment with rosuvastatin. Your doctor will order laboratory tests to check liver function before starting you on rosuvastatin and during treatment. You might need to stop rosuvastatin if you are developing liver problems.

Continue taking rosuvastatin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells says so.

Call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while on rosuvastatin. This medicine can be harmful to an unborn baby.

Tell all your healthcare providers you are on rosuvastatin before any minor or major surgery, including dental procedures, or if you have serious injuries or infections.

If you are taking aluminum and magnesium antacids like Maalox or Mylanta, take them at least 2 hours after your dose of rosuvastatin.

Avoid alcohol while on rosuvastatin. Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of serious side effects.

Rosuvastatin Calcium (Crestor) Drug Interactions

Certain medicines can affect how rosuvastatin works and make it less effective. Possible interactions between rosuvastatin and other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse effects.

Some of the medicines that can have interactions with rosuvastatin include:

Other medications used to treat high cholesterol such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibrate (Tricor), and niacin (Niacor, Niaspan)
Blood thinners or anticoagulants like warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
H2 blockers like cimetidine (Tagamet) that are used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Anti-gout medications like colchicine (Colcrys)
Immunomodulators like cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf, Sandimmune)
Anticancer medications like regorafenib (Stivarga), darolutamide (Nubeqa)
Medications used to treat blood disorders such as eltrombopag (Promacta)
Antifungal drugs like ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Certain medications used to treat hepatitis C virus
Certain HIV medications
Potassium-sparing diuretics (water pills) like spironolactone (Aldactone)

This is not a complete list of medications that can have interactions with rosuvastatin. Give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all the medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal products. Also, tell your healthcare professionals if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.

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