Crestor (Rosuvastatin) 

Mfg:  AstraZeneca

Indication(s):  Adjunct to diet for patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (heterozygous familial and nonfamilial) and mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson Type IIa and IIb); adjunct to diet for the treatment of patients with elevated serum triglyceride levels (Fredrickson Type IV); and treatment of patients with homozygous familial hyper-cholesterolemia as an adjunct to other lipid-lowering treatments (e.g., low-density lipoprotein [LDL] apheresis) or if such treatments are unavailable.

Administration:  Usual start dose is 10mg per day but the range is from 5mg to 40mg orally once daily.  Dosage should be adjusted down for those at risk of myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, renal impairment, advanced age, or hypothyroidism.

Pharmacology:  Inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase.

WebRx Editorial Notes:  Liver funtion tests should be performed at initiation of therapy and after 12 weeks, at any increase in dosage and also at twice yearly intervals.  Renal function tests before starting therapy is recommended also.  Not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.

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