About Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

Crestor (rosuvastatin)

• Description: Crestor is available in coated tablets in the following dosage strengths: 5 mg (yellow, round tablet), 10 mg (pink, round), 20 mg (pink, round) and 40 mg (pink, oval). Tablets are engraved with the dosage strength on one side of the tablet.
• Purpose: Crestor is a "statin" used to lower triglycerides and all bad forms of cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol (the good form). Crestor should be part of a treatment program that includes a low-fat diet and exercise.
• Usual dosage: The dosage range for Crestor is 5 to 40 mg taken once daily, with the starting dose determined by individual response to the drug and the target goal of cholesterol lowering. The usual recommended starting dose is 10 mg once daily (at any time of day, with or without food). After 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, lipid levels should be assessed and the dosage adjusted accordingly.
• Possible side effects: Crestor may cause rare, but serious side effects including muscle damage that can lead to kidney damage, and liver damage. Other possible side effects include muscle pain, constipation, weakness, abdominal pain, and nausea.
• Remarks: Notify your physician promptly of unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by fever or feeling sick. Your doctor may have you get blood tests periodically. If you have liver problems, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you should not be taking Crestor; call your doctor. This medication is to be taken in addition to following a low-cholesterol diet; therefore, you must continue to follow your doctor’s diet recommendations.

Lescol (fluvastatin)

• Description: Brown and light brown capsule - 20 mg; Brown and gold capsule - 40 mg.
• Purpose: Lescol is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood by blocking the formation of cholesterol.
• Usual dosage: Typical starting dose is 20 mg daily up to a maximum of 80 mg a day.
• Possible side effects: Upset stomach, constipation, gas, stomach pain, rash, muscle aches.
• Remarks: Notify your physician promptly of unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by feeling sick or fever. If you have liver problems, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you should not be taking Lescol; call your doctor. Your doctor may have you get blood tests periodically. This medication may be taken with or without food and is best taken in the evening. This medication is to be taken in addition to following a low-cholesterol diet; therefore, you must continue to follow your doctor’s diet recommendations.