Get your GoodRx coupon
local_offer_outlined
Avg retail price
$103.77
View GoodRx coupons
What is Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
02:20
Featuring Nabila Ismail, PharmD | Reviewed by Daisy Chau, PharmD, Preeti Parikh, MD
What is Rosuvastatin (Crestor) used for?
Treatment of high "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people
How Rosuvastatin (Crestor) works
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is a statin. The main way it works is by blocking the enzyme (protein) in your liver that makes cholesterol. As a result, rosuvastatin (Crestor) lowers your "bad" cholesterol (called low-density lipoprotein, or LDL). Rosuvastatin (Crestor) can also raise your "good" cholesterol (called high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) and lower your triglyceride levels.
info
Are you looking for information on Roszet (rosuvastatin / ezetimibe) instead?
When does Rosuvastatin (Crestor) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect
Drug Facts
Common BrandsCrestor, Ezallor Sprinkle
Drug ClassStatin
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
More on Rosuvastatin (Crestor) essentials
What are the side effects of Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Other Side Effects
Serious Side Effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
When do Rosuvastatin (Crestor) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Muscle or joint pain
Headache
Nausea
Severe muscle damage
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.
Source:DailyMed
More on Rosuvastatin (Crestor) side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Difficulty in moving
joint pain or swelling
muscle pain, cramps, spasms, or stiffness
Less common
Blurred vision
chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness
difficult, burning, or painful urination
dry mouth
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
flushed, dry skin
fruit-like breath odor
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
loss of consciousness
muscle tension or tightness
nausea
slow heartbeat
stomachache
sweating
trouble breathing
unexplained weight loss
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Rare
Dark urine
fever
Incidence not known
Black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
bloating
bloody urine
chills
clay-colored stools
constipation
cough
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
headache
hives, itching, skin rash
hoarseness
indigestion
irritation
joint swelling
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
light-colored stools
loss of appetite
muscle tenderness, wasting, or weakness
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
pinpoint red spots on the skin
redness of the skin
stomach pain, continuing
swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
tightness in the chest
trouble swallowing
unpleasant breath odor
unusual bleeding or bruising
upper right abdominal or stomach pain
vomiting of blood
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Body aches or pain
congestion
dry or sore throat
runny nose
tender, swollen glands in the neck
voice changes
Less common
Accidental injury
accumulation of pus, swollen, red, or tender area of infection near a tooth
arm, back, or jaw pain
belching
bladder pain
burning feeling in the chest or stomach
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
diarrhea
discouragement
dizziness
excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
excessive muscle tone
fear
feeling faint
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
feeling of warmth or heat
feeling sad or empty
flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
general feeling of discomfort or illness
heartburn
lack of appetite
lack or loss of strength
lightheadedness
loss of interest or pleasure
neck pain
nerve pain
nervousness
pain or swelling in the arms or legs without any injury
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
passing gas
pounding in the ears
sensation of spinning
shivering
sneezing
stomach discomfort, tenderness, or upset
stuffy nose
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
Incidence not known
Confusion
forgetfulness
memory loss
nightmares
swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
unsteadiness or awkwardness
weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Advertisem*nt
Pros and cons of Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Pros
Can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke
Brand name Crestor can be taken by children as young as 7 years old
Sprinkle capsule (Ezallor Sprinkle) available for people who've trouble swallowing pills
Available as a lower cost, generic form
Cons
Can't be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding
Can't be used in people with liver problems
Older adults at higher risk for muscle pain
Can cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problem
Pharmacist tips for Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
It's fine to take rosuvastatin (Crestor) at any time, but it's best to take it at the same time every day.
You can take rosuvastatin (Crestor) with or without food. Don't break the tablets apart, you must take them whole.
If you're having trouble swallowing pills whole, talk with your provider. Rosuvastatin is available as Ezallor Sprinkle (rosuvastatin). This is a capsule that you can open up and sprinkle its contents over soft food, like applesauce or pudding.
If you're using Ezallor Sprinkle (rosuvastatin), open up the capsule and sprinkle its contents over a teaspoonful of soft food, like applesauce or pudding. Don't chew this mixture; you must swallow it whole. You need to eat this mixture within an hour of mixing, don't store it away for later.
If you're caring for someone who has a feeding tube (nasogastric, or NG tube), sprinkle the contents of Ezallor Sprinkle (rosuvastatin) into a 60 mL catheter-tipped syringe and add 40 mL of water. Place the plunger back on and shake the syringe very hard for 15 seconds. Immediately after mixing, attach the syringe to the NG tube and deliver the contents through the feeding tube. Afterwards, flush their feeding tube with 20 mL of water to make sure no medication is stuck in the tube. Don't use any other liquid besides water.
If you accidentally miss a dose of rosuvastatin (Crestor), take it as soon as you remember. But if more than 12 hours have passed since the time you were scheduled to take your dose, then skip that dose and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Don't take 2 doses of rosuvastatin (Crestor) at the same time to make up any missed doses.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking rosuvastatin (Crestor). This is because alcohol can raise your risk of serious liver problems with rosuvastatin (Crestor). Ask your provider what's a safe amount of alcohol to drink while you're taking this medication.
Let your provider know right away if you experience muscle pain or weakness, especially if you also have fever or feel extremely tired. This can be a sign of a rare, but serious, breakdown of muscles called rhabdomyolysis.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) interacts with many commonly prescribed medications. For example, some medications (like azole antifungals, warfarin (Coumadin), and colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare)) can raise the level of rosuvastatin (Crestor) in your body and put you at higher risk for side effects, such as muscle damage. Your rosuvastatin (Crestor) dose might need to be lowered or you might need to switch to a different medication. Make sure to let your provider known about all the medications you're taking (including vitamins and supplements) before starting rosuvastatin (Crestor) so that they can help you check for interactions.
If you take antacids containing aluminum and magnesium, make sure to take the antacid at least 2 hours after taking rosuvastatin (Crestor). This is to make sure all of the rosuvastatin (Crestor) gets absorbed into your body.
It's important that you eat a healthy and balanced diet low in fat and a maintain a regular exercise routine while taking rosuvastatin (Crestor). Doing so will help you get the most benefit out of the medication. Talk with your provider if you have questions about how to plan your meals and what kind of exercise is appropriate for you.
Make sure to mark your calendar with your appointments to see your provider and to get any blood work done when you take rosuvastatin (Crestor). Your provider will order blood work to check your cholesterol levels during treatment. They might change your dose of rosuvastatin (Crestor) based on your lab results.
More on Rosuvastatin (Crestor) tips
Frequently asked questions about Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Is rosuvastatin (Crestor) a first-choice medication to lower cholesterol?
expand_more
Statins are first-choice medications to lower cholesterol. But among the statins, it's hard to say whether or not one is better than another. Some statins, like rosuvastatin (Crestor), can lower your cholesterol levels more than other statins (if you compare them milligram to milligram). For example, rosuvastatin (Crestor) is considered a moderate-to-high intensity statin. At certain doses, rosuvastatin (Crestor) can lower your cholesterol levels by more than 50%. Your provider will determine if rosuvastatin (Crestor) is a good choice for you depending on factors such as what other medications you're taking and how high your LDL cholesterol is.
What can I do if I get muscle pain from rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
expand_more
Muscle pain is a well-known potential side effect of statins. You can experience it at any time during treatment, even if you've been taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) for years without any problem. Let your provider know right away if you experience muscle pain. They can recommend possible solutions, such as lowering your dose or change how often you take rosuvastatin (Crestor) (e.g., every other day instead of daily). Or, your provider might switch you to another statin because you might not get muscle pain from another statin just because you got muscle from rosuvastatin (Crestor). Be sure to get medical help right away if you also notice dark-colored urine or fever in addition to muscle pain - these might be signs of a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).
What's the best time of day to take rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
expand_more
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is a long-acting medication, which means that its effects last throughout the day. You can take rosuvastatin (Crestor) any time during the day or at night time. Just make sure you try to take it around the same time each day.
What are some factors that might affect my dose of rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
expand_more
There are different factors that might affect your dose of rosuvastatin (Crestor). One factor is what other medications you're taking. Certain medications, such as cyclosporine (Sandimmune) and Vosevi (sofosbuvir / velpatasvir / voxilaprevir), can raise the level of rosuvastatin in your body and put you at higher risk for side effects, such as muscle pain. Another factor is how your body breaks down rosuvastatin (Crestor). Some research suggest that some people of Asian descent might break down rosuvastatin (Crestor) more slowly than other people, which can also raise the risk for side effects. Your provider will take factors like these into consideration when deciding your dose of rosuvastatin (Crestor). If appropriate, your provider might start you at a lower dose. Talk with them if you've any questions about how you're taking this medication.
Can I take rosuvastatin (Crestor) if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
expand_more
No, you can't take rosuvastatin (Crestor) if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. It's not clear whether or not rosuvastatin (Crestor) is safe in pregnancy. However, based on how rosuvastatin (Crestor) works, it's possible for it to cause birth defects. In addition, rosuvastatin (Crestor) hasn't been studied in breastfeeding. But, based on similar medications, it can pass through breast milk and cause harm to breastfed babies. Ask your provider if you have any questions about rosuvastatin (Crestor) and pregnancy or breastfeeding.
How to save using GoodRx
1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
Get free couponLearn more
What are the risks and warnings for Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe muscle pain and damage
Risk factors: Age 65 years and older | Taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) 40 mg or higher | Kidney problems | Taking other medications that can also cause muscle problems or interact with rosuvastatin (Crestor) | Uncontrolled hypothyroidism
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) can cause a rare, but serious and life-threatening muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis. Your risk if higher if you take other medications that can raise the levels of rosuvastatin (Crestor) in your body. For this reason, don't start any new medications without asking your provider or pharmacist first. If you notice any of symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, such as severe muscle pain, dark-colored urine, weakness, and tiredness, stop rosuvastatin (Crestor) and get medical attention right away.
Worsening liver problems and liver failure
Risk factors: History of liver problems | Drinking large amounts of alcohol
Though rare, rosuvastatin (Crestor) can cause serious liver problems that can lead to liver failure. You'll need to get blood tests to check your liver health before and during treatment to make sure their liver is working properly. Sometimes, your lab work might show that you have signs of liver problems, but typically, the labs get better on their own over time. But get medical attention right away if you notice symptoms of liver problems, such as yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, nausea, vomiting, or dark or brown urine. You might need to stop taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) to prevent further liver damage.
High blood sugar
Risk factors: High blood sugar
Some research suggest that rosuvastatin (Crestor) can raise your blood sugars levels, which can lead to higher hemoglobin A1C levels. However, healthcare providers believe that the benefits of statins outweigh their risk for harm. Let your provider know if you have high blood sugar before starting rosuvastatin (Crestor) because you might need to monitor your blood sugar more often. Also, make sure to have a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise while taking rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Higher risk for bleeds (for people taking warfarin (Coumadin))
If you're taking warfarin (Coumadin), let your provider know. Rosuvastatin (Crestor) can interact with warfarin (Coumadin) and raise your INR, which can put you at higher risk for bleeds. Your provider will need to check your INR before you start rosuvastatin (Crestor) and more regularly during your treatment to make sure your INR is within the appropriate range. Let your provider know right away if you notice bleeding that's difficult to stop, dark-colored or tarry stool, or if you experience any physical injuries. They can help make sure that you don't have any bleeding inside your body and also to help control any bleeds you might have.
Not for use in pregnant or breastfeeding females
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) shouldn't be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding females. This medication can cause harm to unborn and breastfed babies. If you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, ask your provider about the safest options for you.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) dosage forms
Tablet
| Dosage | As low as |
|---|---|
| 5mg | $10.67 for 90 tablets |
| 10mg | $5.00 for 30 tablets |
| 20mg | $11.64 for 90 tablets |
| 40mg | $13.10 for 90 tablets |
Typical dosing for Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
The typical starting dose is 10 mg to 20 mg taken by mouth once daily. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 5 mg to 40 mg once daily.
Your provider will monitor you and change your dose depending on different factors, such as your LDL level, whether you're having side effects, or if you're taking other medications that interact with rosuvastatin (Crestor).
More on Rosuvastatin (Crestor) dosage forms
Interactions between Rosuvastatin (Crestor) and other drugs
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Rosuvastatin (Crestor). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
More on Rosuvastatin (Crestor) interactions
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Amprenavir
- Atazanavir
- Bezafibrate
- Capmatinib
- Ciprofibrate
- Cobicistat
- Colchicine
- Cyclosporine
- Daptomycin
- Darolutamide
- Darunavir
- Dasabuvir
- Elagolix
- Elbasvir
- Eluxadoline
- Enasidenib
- Eslicarbazepine Acetate
- Fenofibrate
- Fenofibric Acid
- Fosamprenavir
- Gemfibrozil
- Grazoprevir
- Indinavir
- Lasmiditan
- Ledipasvir
- Leflunomide
- Lopinavir
- Niacin
- Ombitasvir
- Paritaprevir
- Regorafenib
- Ritonavir
- Rolapitant
- Saquinavir
- Simeprevir
- Teriflunomide
- Velpatasvir
- Voxilaprevir
- Warfarin
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acenocoumarol
- Amiodarone
- Dicumarol
- Eltrombopag
- Fluconazole
- Fostemsavir
- Glecaprevir
- Itraconazole
- Oat Bran
- Pectin
- Phenprocoumon
- Pibrentasvir
- Tipranavir
How much does Rosuvastatin (Crestor) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Crestor (brand)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) (generic)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person shouldnot take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditionsor if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Rosuvastatin (Crestor) will not be safe for you to take.
Severe allergy to rosuvastatin (Crestor) or another statin
Active liver problems
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
What are alternatives to Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Rosuvastatin (Crestor). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Used for:
Treatment of high "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people
$5.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Used for:
Prevention of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack or stroke) in high-risk adults (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of cholesterol problems)
Treatment of high "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people
$4.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Simvastatin (Zocor)
Used for:
Prevention of heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., heart attack or stroke) in people at higher-risk for heart problems
Lower high "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels in certain people
$9.01 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
What is the latest news about Rosuvastatin (Crestor)?
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) images
This medicine is Orange, Round Tablet Imprinted With "U2" And "M".Orange Round U2 And M - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Brown, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Rsv 10".Brown Round Rsv 10 - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "1180".Pink Round 1180 - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "1180".Pink Round 1180 - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "R10".Pink Round R10 - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "D" And "G".Pink Round G And D - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "10" And "R".Pink Round 10 And R - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Yellow, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Cy" And "10".Yellow Round 10 And Cy - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "H" And "R4".Pink Round H And R4 - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Sg" And "117".Pink Round Sg And 117 - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Sg" And "117".Pink Round Sg And 117 - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Sg" And "117".Pink Round Sg And 117 - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "30" And "I".Pink Round I And 30 - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Ros 10" And "Apo".Pink Round Apo And Ros 10 - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "10" And "B".Pink Round 10 And B - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "R10".Pink Round R10 - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "R10".Pink Round R10 - Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Tablet
Get savings updates for Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Rosuvastatin (Crestor) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.
By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
