Crestor (rosuvastatin), is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent for oral administration, which is marketed as by AstraZeneca. It is a class of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It slows down the production of cholesterol and reducing the buildup of cholesterol on artery walls as well as increases good cholesterol (HDL), thus helping prevent heart diseases and reduce incidences of heart attacks and strokes. AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Crestor received its Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2003. In March 2010, Crestor was approved as a preventive medicine for cholesterol control ( highlighting the special criteria).
This drug is used in combination with exercise and diet to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood and to slow the buildup of plaque (fatty deposits) in the blood vessels.
Crestor use was linked to Rhabdomyolysis which is a rare condition that causes excessive deterioration of muscle tissue. When muscle tissue is broken down, myoglobin is released into the patient's bloodstream. However, excessive myoglobin can cause kidney damage. If left untreated, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney failure and death.
