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Crestor Long-Term Dangers

According to print advertisements and television commercials, Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) is a prescription statin drug. It reduces serum cholesterol levels, and it's used to lower cholesterol as well as treat atherosclerosis. However, there are potentially dangerous side effects that can occur as a result of the medication and its recommended dosage.

  1. Rhabdomyolisis

    • Crestor has been associated with a condition that breaks down muscle cells known as rhabdomyolosis. Some of the symptoms of this condition include leg, arm or lower back pain and swelling, dark urine, trouble passing urine, muscle bruising, trouble with breathing and nausea. It can also cause you to experience mental confusion and an accelerated heartbeat.

    Kidney Damage

    • Another long-term danger of taking Crestor is kidney damage or failure. Symptoms of kidney failure include changes in urination (including frequency and blood in urine)or swelling in the legs, feet, face and/or ankles. Other symptoms include fatigue and skin rashes. Other symptoms include a metallic taste in your mouth, leg pain and feeling cold and dizzy.

    Liver Damage

    • Crestor also contributes to liver damage. When it first occurs, it can cause nausea and vomiting. During the twelve to twenty-four hours following these symptoms, you may feel somewhat better. Afterward, blood tests may find levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)--two enzymes present in liver cells--released into the bloodstream. These enzymes can cause kidney failure, coma, bleeding disorders or even death.

    Effects in Asians

    • According to MedicationSense.com, the drug's blood levels were twice as high in Asian patients than they were in other patients. Thus, these patients run a greater risk of adverse side effects from taking Crestor.

    Considerations

    • Most statin drugs are prescribed only if lifestyle modification and exercise has not helped reduce your LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Thus, these modifications--which include eating sensibly and refraining from consuming alcoholic beverages and smoking--should be undertaken first. However, if you have been prescribed Crestor for LDL cholesterol reduction and have experienced any adverse side-effects, stop taking the drug immediately. Consult your doctor for a safer and more viable alternative.

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