FAQs
Whether this is your first prescription for CRESTOR® (rosuvastatin calcium) or you’ve been taking it for a while, you probably have some questions. Take a look at a few common questions below to see if we can provide an answer.
Please remember that your doctor and pharmacist are the best sources of information on how cholesterol and plaque buildup relate to your specific situation.
Simply click on an option below to display a full list of questions relating to that topic.
Q. Where does cholesterol come from?
A. Cholesterol is produced by the liver. It's also found in foods high in 
, like fatty meats, egg yolks, shellfish, and whole-milk dairy products.
Q. What makes cholesterol good or bad for your health?
A. Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream packaged inside a protein called a lipoprotein. There are two kinds of lipoproteins that are important when discussing cholesterol — 
and (HDL-C). LDL cholesterol is considered "bad" because too much of it in your bloodstream can contribute to the in your over time, also known as . HDL cholesterol is considered “good” because it helps return cholesterol to the liver, where it can be eliminated.
Q. How does LDL cholesterol contribute to health problems?
A. If you have too much LDL cholesterol circulating in your bloodstream, it can contribute to the buildup of plaque in your over time. For many people, this buildup starts in early adulthood and gets worse over time.
Q. How does my medical history relate to managing my cholesterol?
A. Ask your doctor to be sure. If your doctor has told you cholesterol management is especially important for you, it could mean that you have one or more additional health factors that make it even more likely that high cholesterol can contribute to the buildup of plaque in your arteries.
These health factors include things like , personal or family history of early heart disease, cigarette smoking, and age — over 45 for men and over 55 for women. Certain ethnic groups are more susceptible to cholesterol-related issues than others. And some diseases, such as , call for close cholesterol management. Be sure to talk to your doctor for more information about your personal medical history.
Q. How do I find out what my cholesterol numbers mean?
A. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) publishes general cholesterol guidelines, but based on your individual situation, your doctor may recommend something more specific. Take a look at the general NCEP guidelines for cholesterol and then talk to your doctor about your specific goals.
Q. How can I lower my cholesterol?
A. Living a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a diet that is low in saturated fats and cholesterol and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise most days, may help lower cholesterol. It also may be able to help manage other health factors associated with the buildup of plaque in your arteries over time. When diet and exercise alone aren’t enough, your doctor may add a cholesterol-lowering medicine. Learn more about living a healthy lifestyle.
Q. What is plaque buildup?
A. in over time is a progressive disease called , or "athero." One major cause is a high level of , which plays a role in the formation of plaque. Other common health factors, such as a family history of early heart disease, , , cigarette smoking, or being overweight, also play an important role. This plaque starts building up in our in early adulthood and gets worse over time.
Q. Do I have health factors that contribute to the development of plaque buildup over time?
A. If you have high cholesterol, plaque buildup may be something you should be concerned about. Other health factors, such a family history of early heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or if you smoke or are overweight, can also contribute to the progression of plaque buildup. The good news is that some of the health factors, such as diabetes, being overweight, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, can be managed.
Q. What are some common lifestyle changes that can help in the management of health factors?
A. Most doctors agree that living a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a healthy, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and getting regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do. If you smoke, you should try to quit immediately. Last but not least, every plan should start by talking with your doctor. Learn more about living a healthy lifestyle.
Q. Can you tell me more about bruits, the ankle brachial index, and how they are used to indicate plaque buildup over time?
A. One way your doctor can look for signs of plaque buildup is by placing a stethoscope on your neck, abdomen, or leg to listen to your arteries during a physical exam. Your doctor is listening for (pronounced brew-ees), which are faint whooshing noises caused by the turbulence of blood rushing through restricted arteries.
Another way your doctor can check for signs of plaque buildup involves taking your blood pressure at the ankle and arm. This technique is called the .
During your next office visit, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about these techniques.
Q. Can CRESTOR help slow the progression of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup)?
A. Along with diet, CRESTOR, the same medicine that lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and raises HDL (good) cholesterol, has been proven to slow the progression of atherosclerosis, as part of a treatment plan to lower cholesterol to goal. Ask your doctor if CRESTOR is right for you.
Q. Why did my doctor prescribe CRESTOR?
A. CRESTOR is prescribed for patients who need to manage high cholesterol and who have not had success managing it through diet and exercise alone. It can also help slow the in , known as atherosclerosis, in adults with high cholesterol as part of a treatment plan to lower cholesterol to goal.
Q. How will I know if CRESTOR is working?
A. The only way to know whether CRESTOR is working is to have a follow-up , also known as a cholesterol test. Ask your doctor about how soon you should be retested.
Q. How soon should I expect results with CRESTOR?
A. People can have different responses to the same medicine, so your results may vary. Ask your doctor how soon you should return for a follow-up fasting lipid profile. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to, or if you become pregnant. If you do become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor immediately.
Q. Is CRESTOR a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise plan?
A. No. When taking CRESTOR, you should continue eating well and exercising. Follow a diet that’s low in saturated fats and cholesterol and work on getting at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. Learn more about living a healthy lifestyle.
Q. Do I still need to take CRESTOR when I reach my cholesterol goal?
A. Certain people may need to manage their cholesterol closely because of their medical history or other health concerns, and they need to take medications like CRESTOR as long as their doctor prescribes it to keep their cholesterol in check. It’s important to discuss your medical history and other health issues with your doctor, so that he or she can recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.
As with all prescription medications, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to, or if you become pregnant. If you do become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor immediately.
Q. What should I do if I accidentally miss a dose of CRESTOR?
A. If you miss a dose of CRESTOR, take it as soon as you remember. However, do not take 2 doses of CRESTOR within 12 hours of each other.