Rosuvastatin
Crestor (rosuvastatin) is a prescription statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It is primarily prescribed for patients with high LDL ('bad') cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, or those at risk of cardiovascular disease. As a brand-name medication, it contains the active ingredient rosuvastatin and is typically used alongside diet and lifestyle changes.
Crestor is a statin medication that lowers cholesterol to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 320864
- Generic
- Crestor
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Crestor is used to treat hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides), and to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. It may be prescribed when diet and exercise alone are insufficient.
Crestor belongs to the statin class of medications. It works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme in the liver responsible for producing cholesterol. By blocking this enzyme, the medication reduces the amount of cholesterol produced and helps the liver remove existing cholesterol from the blood.
Common side effects may include headache, muscle aches, and digestive issues. Rare but serious risks include liver damage and muscle problems. Patients should avoid grapefruit juice and inform their doctor of any liver conditions or unexplained muscle pain. Regular blood tests may be required to monitor liver function and cholesterol levels.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy