This article describes Crestor’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Crestor. If you want to know more about Crestor, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Crestor is a brand-name medication that comes as a tablet. It’s available in a generic version called rosuvastatin. This article describes dosages of Crestor.
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.
Form and strengths of Crestor
Crestor comes as follows:
- Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strengths: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg
Dosage of Crestor
This article describes the recommended dosages for Crestor. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Crestor without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Crestor in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Crestor. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Crestor that gives the desired outcome.
Doctors may prescribe Crestor to:
- reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad” type of cholesterol) in adults who have a condition that makes it hard for their bodies to break down lipids (fats) in their blood
- reduce LDL cholesterol in adults with inherited conditions known as heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia
- reduce LDL cholesterol and slow down atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessel walls)
- reduce triglyceride levels
- treat dysbetalipoproteinemia (an inherited condition that causes high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood)
- reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and the need for surgical procedures to improve blood flow to the heart in adults who have certain risk factors for cardiovascular disease
The typical recommended dosage for these purposes is as follows:
- Dose: 5 to 40 mg
- Frequency: once per day
Your dosage of Crestor will be specific to you and will depend on several factors. Your doctor will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. See the “Dosage adjustments for Crestor” section below for more details.
Your doctor may prescribe Crestor together with other cholesterol-lowering drugs or a recommended diet.
Dosages of Crestor in children
Crestor is approved to help reduce LDL cholesterol in some children with certain inherited types of high cholesterol. Your doctor may prescribe it along with a heart-healthy diet or together with other cholesterol-lowering drugs.
| Age | Condition | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 9 years | heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia | 5 to 10 mg once per day |
| 10 years and older | heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia | 5 to 20 mg once per day |
| 7 years and older | homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia | 20 mg once per day |
Dosage adjustments for Crestor
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Crestor based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- your ethnicity
- how well your kidneys work
- other health conditions you may have
- other drugs you may take
In clinical studies, Crestor tended to remain in the body longer in people of Asian descent. For this reason, doctors may prescribe a lower dosage of Crestor if you’re of Asian descent.
Your doctor may recommend a lower dosage of Crestor if you have kidney problems. Also, if you take certain medications, the doctor may reduce your dosage of Crestor.
It’s important that your doctor knows about your full health history and all the medications and supplements you take before you start taking Crestor.
Missed dose of Crestor
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Crestor. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Crestor and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Crestor and its dosage.
What is the lowest recommended dose of Crestor?
The lowest recommended dose of Crestor is 5 mg. The typical dosage range of Crestor for adults is 5 to 40 mg once per day.
Your doctor will likely start you on a lower dosage of Crestor and adjust it over time as needed. To help decide whether your dosage needs to be adjusted, your doctor will order lipid panel blood tests. These tests will help your doctor understand whether your dosage of Crestor is helping to lower your cholesterol levels.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage of Crestor.
Is Crestor taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Crestor as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Crestor, talk with your doctor.
How Crestor is taken
You’ll swallow Crestor once per day with or without food.
You can take Crestor any time of the day. However, your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Crestor tablets should be swallowed whole. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Crestor coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Crestor when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
