Crestor

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature and protect from moisture.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Crestor.

It's especially important to tell your doctor if you have unusual muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness that's accompanied by fever or a general feeling of illness and fatigue (see "Special warnings about this medication").

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, nausea, sore throat

Why should Crestor not be prescribed?

Do not take Crestor if you have liver disease, or if you've ever had an allergic reaction to the drug.

Also, never take Crestor during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Special warnings about Crestor

Use Crestor with caution if you have a history of liver problems, if you have any symptoms associated with liver disease, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol. In rare cases, cholesterol-lowering drugs like Crestor have caused liver damage. To guard against such problems, your doctor will perform blood tests before you start taking the drug and again after 12 weeks. As therapy continues, you may have your blood tested periodically or whenever the doctor increases your dose.

There is a small chance that Crestor may cause damage to muscle tissue. Be especially cautious if you have any predisposing risk factors for muscle damage, including kidney problems or an underactive thyroid, or if you're past middle age. Promptly report to your doctor any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever or you just generally do not feel well.

Use Crestor with caution if you have kidney problems. Studies have shown that the drug may affect kidney function, especially at higher doses. If your doctor finds evidence of this after routine testing, you may need to have your dosage lowered.