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Crestor is a brand-name tablet that contains rosuvastatin, a statin cholesterol medication. It is prescribed to treat high cholesterol in adults and some children. Crestor is generally well-tolerated, and most people do not experience any side effects. However, as with any medication, side effects are possible, and they vary depending on the individual. The most commonly reported side effects include headaches, nausea, constipation, muscle and joint pain, and weakness. More serious side effects include liver damage, Type 2 diabetes, and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), which can lead to kidney damage. While rare, muscle twitching has been reported in some individuals taking Crestor, especially in those who are female, 60 years or older, and have been taking the drug for less than a month.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle twitching | Found among people who take Crestor, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for < 1 month. |
| Muscle pain | Common side effect |
| Muscle damage | Rare but serious side effect |
| Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) | Rare but serious side effect |
| Liver damage | Serious side effect |
| High blood sugar | Rare side effect |
| Type 2 diabetes | Serious side effect |
| Pancreatitis | Serious side effect |
| Allergic reaction | Rare side effect |
| Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy | Rare side effect |
| Memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, and confusion | Rare side effect |
| Enlargement of the breast tissue in men or boys (gynecomastia) | Rare side effect |
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What You'll Learn
Muscle pain and weakness
Crestor (rosuvastatin) is a statin cholesterol medication that can help lower the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes. It is usually well tolerated, and most patients do not need to stop treatment due to side effects. However, muscle pain and weakness are among Crestor's commonly reported side effects.
In rare cases, Crestor may cause rhabdomyolysis, a severe form of muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney damage and even death. Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include severe muscle pain, weakness, extreme fatigue, and dark-coloured urine. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention as rhabdomyolysis requires urgent care in a hospital setting.
It is important to note that Crestor may also cause muscle tenderness and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, which is cell death in the muscles that causes weakness and fatigue. These side effects can be serious and may require medical attention. If you experience any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially with a fever or increased tiredness, contact your doctor right away.
While Crestor is generally well-tolerated, it is always important to be aware of potential side effects and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if side effects do not go away.
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Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
Rhabdomyolysis, or rhabdo for short, is a serious condition caused by direct or indirect muscle injury. It occurs when muscle fibres die and release their contents into the bloodstream. This can lead to serious complications such as renal (kidney) failure, which can be fatal.
The symptoms of rhabdomyolysis depend on its severity and whether kidney failure develops. The "classic triad" of symptoms includes muscle pain in the shoulders, thighs, or lower back, as well as tenderness, weakness, and swelling of the affected muscles. In some cases, there may be no muscle-related symptoms at all. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, confusion, coma, and abnormal heart rate and rhythm.
Rhabdomyolysis can be caused by various factors, including crush injuries, strenuous exercise, medications, substance use disorders, infections, electrical injuries, heat stroke, and prolonged immobilization. Statins, such as Crestor, are considered a small risk factor for rhabdomyolysis. People with underlying muscle conditions, usually hereditary, are also more prone to developing rhabdomyolysis.
If you experience symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment typically involves hospitalization, where IV fluids are administered to maintain urine production and prevent kidney failure. In some cases, dialysis treatment may be necessary to help the kidneys filter waste products. Managing electrolyte abnormalities is also crucial to protect the heart and other organs.
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Kidney damage
Crestor (rosuvastatin) is a medication used to treat high cholesterol. It is usually well tolerated, and most patients do not need to stop treatment due to side effects. However, in rare cases, Crestor has been associated with muscle damage, which may lead to kidney damage.
Muscle damage caused by Crestor can result in rhabdomyolysis, a condition characterized by muscle breakdown. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious side effect that can cause long-term kidney damage if left untreated. Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include severe muscle pain, extreme fatigue, and dark-colored urine. If left untreated, rhabdomyolysis can lead to permanent kidney damage and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms while taking Crestor.
The risk factors for muscle damage and rhabdomyolysis include older age (65 years or older), taking certain medications, higher doses of Crestor, uncontrolled thyroid problems (hypothyroidism), and pre-existing kidney problems. It is important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor before starting Crestor to assess your risk for these serious side effects.
In addition to kidney damage, Crestor has also been associated with other serious side effects, such as liver damage, high blood sugar, and cognitive impairment. Liver damage can lead to abnormal liver function tests and, in severe cases, liver failure. High blood sugar can increase the risk of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and diabetic ketoacidosis if left untreated. Cognitive impairment, although rare, can manifest as memory loss, confusion, forgetfulness, and amnesia.
While Crestor is generally well-tolerated, it is important to be vigilant about any potential side effects. If you experience any symptoms of muscle damage, kidney problems, or other adverse effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They may recommend adjusting your dosage, discontinuing the medication, or conducting further tests to assess your health.
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Liver damage
Crestor (rosuvastatin) is a brand-name tablet prescribed to treat high cholesterol in adults and some children. It is a statin cholesterol medication that can help lower the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Although Crestor is generally well-tolerated, it can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects bother you, become severe, or last longer than a few weeks, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The cause of hepatic injury from Crestor is unknown. However, the mild, self-limited ALT elevations may be due to a toxic intermediate of drug metabolism. The idiosyncratic, clinically apparent liver injury associated with Crestor is often accompanied by autoimmune features and may, therefore, be caused by immune mechanisms.
In most cases, the elevations in liver enzymes are transient and resolve or improve on continued therapy or after a brief interruption in therapy. Recovery from liver injury attributed to Crestor is usually complete within 1 to 2 months. Recurrence of injury with rechallenge has been reported and should be avoided.
If serious liver injury with clinical symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice occurs during treatment with Crestor, promptly interrupt therapy. If an alternate etiology is not found, do not restart Crestor. Crestor should be used with caution in patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a history of chronic liver disease. Active liver disease is a contraindication to the use of Crestor.
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High blood sugar
While Crestor is generally well tolerated, with most people experiencing no side effects, it can cause high blood sugar in some patients. This side effect was rare in clinical trials. However, if left untreated, high blood sugar can lead to prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Extremely high blood sugar levels can result in a medical emergency known as diabetic ketoacidosis.
If you notice any symptoms of high blood sugar, it is important to consult your doctor. They may recommend monitoring your blood sugar levels using a blood sugar monitor. Additionally, adopting a high-fibre, low-sugar diet can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Crestor (rosuvastatin) is a statin medication used to treat high cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes. While it is usually well tolerated, muscle pain, tenderness, and weakness (myopathy) are common side effects. These muscle problems can be serious and, in rare cases, lead to kidney damage and even death.
The risk of muscle damage may be higher for individuals taking certain medications, older adults (aged 65 and above), those with uncontrolled thyroid problems (hypothyroidism), or kidney issues. It is crucial to consult your doctor if you experience any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or increased fatigue. Your doctor may advise blood tests to determine the cause of these symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Crestor (rosuvastatin) is a statin cholesterol medication that can help lower the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke.
Common side effects of Crestor include headaches, nausea, constipation, muscle or joint pain, dizziness, and weakness.
Muscle twitching has been found among people who take Crestor, especially in females over 60 who have been taking the drug for less than a month. In a phase IV clinical study of FDA data, 0.14% of people who reported side effects when taking Crestor experienced muscle twitching. However, it is important to note that this study alone cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
Crestor may cause serious side effects such as liver damage, Type 2 diabetes, pancreatitis, and muscle damage. Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) is a rare but serious side effect that can lead to kidney damage and even death if left untreated.
If you experience any side effects from Crestor, contact your doctor or pharmacist. They may recommend adjusting your dose, switching to a different medication, or stopping the medication as directed. It is important to report any side effects to your healthcare provider and seek medical attention if necessary.
