Crestor is the brand name for rosuvastatin (manufactured by AstraZeneca), a cholesterol medication administered to reduce high cholesterol levels in conjunction with exercise, regularized diet, and a weight-loss regime. Research, however, shows that rosuvastatin does have side effects with use over prolonged period of time, which is one of the needs of most cholesterol medication.
 

How Does Rosuvastatin Work as Cholesterol Medication?
 

Rosuvastatin is a part of the statins group and is used as cholesterol medication. Rosuvastatin works by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. This medication helps in reducing the bad cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing the proportion of good cholesterol. Rosuvastatin is an FDA-approved cholesterol medication popularly administered since 2003.

Top Doctor: Slash Heart Attack Risk 81 Percent
 

Use of rosuvastatin as a medication to reduce cholesterol levels is effective.

It helps prevent heart diseases. It reduces risk of stroke. It also reduces the risk of heart attack.
 

The standard beginning dosage of cholesterol medication, rosuvastatin, is 5 milligrams per day. Based on individual requirements, a maximum of 40 milligrams of rosuvastatin can be taken a day to lower cholesterol level. However, most people respond to a dosage of 20 milligrams of rosuvastatin per day.
 

Some of the common side effects of taking cholesterol medication in the form of rosuvastatin (Crestor) include heartburn, dizziness, insomnia, depression, constipation, cough, joint pain, and forgetfulness and confusion.

Other less frequent side effects of rosuvastatin include:

• In rare cases, chest pain is caused while administering rosuvastatin as cholesterol medication.
 

• Jaundice (cholesterol medication such as rosuvastatin alters the liver metabolism to reduce cholesterol production and hence could lead to weakened liver activity with prolonged use)
 

• Extreme tiredness in some people
 

• Pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen may be felt by a few due to the action of rosuvastatin on the liver.
 

• Muscle pain, tenderness, and weakness due to action of statin are known
 

• Nausea
 

• Sore throats, chills, and increased tendency to incur infections are seen with rosuvastatin administration
 

Some people may also be allergic to cholesterol medication, such as rosuvastatin. They may develop side effects such as the following: rash, itching, hives, hoarseness of voice, and difficulty in breathing or swallowing.

If any of these side effects persist, it is important that you contact your physician to alter dosage levels of your cholesterol medication.
 

When rosuvastatin is administered with cyclosporine, the levels of rosuvastatin in the blood increases seven times and the side effects are also worsened. So, you need to check with your physician about taking cholesterol medication in the form of rosuvastatin if you are on cyclosporine also.
 

Rosuvastatin also increases the risk of bleeding from the blood thinner warfarin.
 

Cholesterol medication such as rosuvastatin is prescribed as a longtime medication and should not be stopped abruptly. Increased dosage levels of rosuvastatin can also increase side effects. The side effects may become severe if the dosage is not reduced gradually.