Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Crestor (Rosuvastatin).

Alcohol: People who drink large quantities of alcohol should be closely monitored by their doctor while they are taking Crestor (Rosuvastatin). The combination of alcohol and Crestor (Rosuvastatin) increases the risk of developing liver problems.

Diabetes: Crestor (Rosuvastatin), like other medications in this family, may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Crestor (Rosuvastatin).

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Crestor (Rosuvastatin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Crestor (Rosuvastatin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Hypersensitivity syndrome: A Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) called hypersensitivity syndrome has occurred for some people with the use of "statin" cholesterol medication. Stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.

Kidney function: If you have decreased kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Crestor (Rosuvastatin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Crestor (Rosuvastatin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Crestor (Rosuvastatin) may cause decreased liver function, including liver failure. Consuming alcohol can increase the risk of developing liver problems. Your doctor will perform regular blood tests to check your liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Do not use Crestor (Rosuvastatin) if you have active liver disease or have liver function tests that are higher than normal. If you have reduced liver function or a history of liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Crestor (Rosuvastatin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Crestor (Rosuvastatin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Muscle damage: In rare cases, serious muscle damage has been associated with the use of "statin" medications, especially at higher doses. Before taking Crestor (Rosuvastatin), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• are of Asian ancestry (Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, or Asian-Indian origin)
• are over the age of 70
• are taking other cholesterol-lowering medication such as fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate) or niacin
• are taking other medications (as drug interactions are possible), including prescription, non-prescription, and natural health products
• do excessive physical exercise
• have diabetes
• have a family history of muscular disorders
• have had any past problems with muscles (pain, tenderness) after taking a statin
• have kidney or liver problems
• have thyroid problems
• have undergone surgery or other tissue injury
• regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily

Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, cramps, or any brown or discoloured urine to your doctor immediately, particularly if you are also experiencing malaise (a general feeling of being unwell) or fever.

Pregnancy: Crestor (Rosuvastatin) should not be taken during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Crestor (Rosuvastatin), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Crestor (Rosuvastatin) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Crestor (Rosuvastatin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: There is limited experience with the use of Crestor (Rosuvastatin) by children. Crestor (Rosuvastatin) may be used by children between 10 and 17 years of age who have certain inherited cholesterol disorders. Girls should be at least 1 year past their first menstrual period. It should be used in addition to diet, when diet alone has not provided a satisfactory reduction in cholesterol levels. The safety and effectiveness of Crestor (Rosuvastatin) has not been established for children less than 10 years of age. If Crestor (Rosuvastatin) is to be used by a child, the treatment should be supervised by a specialist.

Seniors: If you are older than 65 years of age, your doctor will likely monitor you closely for muscle-related side effects.