Crestor is a powerful drug used to treat high cholesterol. However, it can have some unexpected side effects that patients may not be aware of.
The FDA is providing up-to-date information about the risk of serious muscle damage, called rhabdomyolysis, in patients taking Crestor as well as similar drugs, called statins. This is a well-known, rare side effect of all statins. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which muscle cells break down. This floods the blood with muscle proteins, sometimes leading to fatal kidney failure.
The FDA has issued a public health advisory to further explain the risks and benefits of the cholesterol-lowering drug Crestor. The drug will now carry a new label that includes new recommended doses for patients at a higher risk of muscle damage, including Asian patients.
"The FDA is committed to providing Americans with the latest and most comprehensive information on the medicines they use," says Steven Galson, MD, MPH, acting director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). “An FDA advisory on Crestor is part of an ongoing effort to notify the public of potentially significant emerging safety data so that they can make more informed choices about their medical care."
In June 2004, the FDA advised doctors to be careful about how they prescribe Crestor. In January 2005, Crestor's manufacturer, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, reported that a patient died while taking Crestor.
The FDA says extensive review of the large amount of available data indicates that patients taking recommended doses of Crestor have a similar risk of rhabdomyolysis as patients taking other statin drugs. Other available statins include Lipitor, Pravachol, and Zocor.
Crestor's manufacturer is also reminding doctors that they should consider using lower starting doses of Crestor in some individuals. However, this does not eliminate the risk for serious side effects.
If you feel that you or a loved one has experienced harmful side effects while taking Crestor, contact us today to find out if you may have a personal injury claim.