Crestor

Crestor is used for:

Lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients. It also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good") cholesterol levels. It is also used to slow atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) in patients with high blood cholesterol levels. It is used along with an appropriate diet. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Crestor is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, also known as a "statin." It works by reducing the production of certain fatty substances in the body, including cholesterol.

Do NOT use Crestor if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Crestor
• you have liver problems or unexplained abnormal liver function tests
• you are pregnant or breast-feeding
• you are taking itraconazole, mibefradil, or telithromycin

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Crestor :

Some medical conditions may interact with Crestor . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are planning to become pregnant
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have low blood pressure, a serious infection, kidney problems, an underactive thyroid, diabetes, or a history of seizures
• if you are dehydrated or have certain muscle problems (eg, pain, weakness); have increased creatine phosphokinase (CPK) blood levels; or have metabolism, hormonal, or electrolyte problems
• if you are on dialysis
• if you drink alcohol or have a history of liver problems or alcohol abuse
• if you have had an organ transplant or have recently had major surgery or a serious injury

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Crestor . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Fibrates (eg, gemfibrozil, clofibrate), immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine), lopinavir/ritonavir, or niacin because they may increase the risk of muscle or kidney problems
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), cimetidine, ketoconazole, macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), or spironolactone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Crestor

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Crestor may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.