How to Relieve Crestor Cramps

Crestor is a brand name for a drug called rosuvastatin calcium, which is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. Crestor is just one of a class of medications called statins that are used to lower high cholesterol levels. One of the side effects of the medication is muscle cramps. If left untreated, Crestor cramps can lead to a serious complication, called rhabdomyolysis, that affects kidney function. Relieving Crestor cramps can help prevent rhabdomyolysis .

Instructions

• 1

  Work to control your cholesterol levels through a combination of diet, exercise and medication. AstraZeneca states in its prescribing information that muscle cramping is more likely for those taking 40 mg of Crestor per day as opposed to 20 mg. If you are actively attempting to manage your cholesterol through lifestyle changes, you may be able to take a lower dose and reduce your risk of muscle cramps.

• 2

  Notify your doctor about any muscle pain, weakness or tenderness you experience when taking Crestor. A 2005 issue of "Harvard Health Letter" explains that most people experience muscle cramping (skeletal muscle effects) within the first few weeks of using the medication.

• 3

  Ask your doctor to review possible interactions between your medications, and make sure he has a full list of your prescriptions on file. Drugs such as the immunosuppressant medication cyclosporine and anti-retrovrials ritonavir and lopinavir, used to treat HIV, can increase Crestor exposure, and may produce adverse effects. The manufacturer recommends lowering the dosage of Crestor if these medications and Crestor must be used together. Your doctor may instead decide to transition you to a different statin drug to alleviate your muscle pain if your health dictates the use of immunosuppressants or anti-retroviral drugs.

• 4

  Discontinue use of Crestor for a period of time agreed upon by you and your doctor. Your muscle pain most likely will recede at this time. Harvard Health Publications states that some people are able to begin taking Crestor again after a break, and do not experience muscle cramping again.