Crestor 20 mg film-coated tablets

Patient Information Leaflet

Introduction

PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER

Crestor 20 mg film-coated tablets

rosuvastatin

Read the entire leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.

• Keep this leaflet as you may need to read it again.

  1. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

• This medicine has been prescribed for you only and must not be given to other people, even if they have the same symptoms as you, because it may harm them.

  • If you experience any adverse effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if they are adverse effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Leaflet contents:

1. What Crestor is and what it is used for

2. What you need to know before taking Crestor

3. How to take Crestor

4. Possible side effects

   1. Storage of Crestor

5. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What Crestor is and what it is used for

Crestor belongs to a group of medicines called statins.

You have been prescribed Crestor because:

• You have high cholesterol levels. This means you are at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Crestor is used in adults, adolescents, and children aged 6 years and older to treat high cholesterol.

• You have been advised to take a statin because changes in your diet and increased physical activity have not been sufficient to correct your cholesterol levels. You must maintain a cholesterol-lowering diet and continue exercising while taking Crestor.

Or

• You have other risk factors that increase your likelihood of having a heart attack, stroke, or other related health problems.

Heart attack, stroke, and other related health problems may be caused by a disease called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is caused by the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries.

Why it is important that you continue taking Crestor

Crestor is used to correct levels of fatty substances in the blood called lipids, the most well-known being cholesterol.

There are different types of cholesterol in the blood: "bad" cholesterol (LDL-C) and "good" cholesterol (HDL-C).

• Crestor reduces the amount of "bad" cholesterol and increases "good" cholesterol.
• It works by blocking the production of "bad" cholesterol and improves the body's ability to remove it from the blood.

In most people, high cholesterol levels do not affect how they feel, as they produce no symptoms. However, if left untreated, fatty deposits can build up in the walls of blood vessels, causing them to narrow.

Sometimes, these narrowed vessels can become blocked, cutting off blood supply to the heart or brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke. By lowering your cholesterol levels, you can reduce the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or related health problems.

You need to continue taking Crestor, even after your cholesterol levels have reached the desired level, because it prevents cholesterol levels from rising again and stops the formation of fatty deposits. However, you should stop treatment if your doctor advises you to do so, or if you become pregnant.

2. What you need to know before taking Crestor

Do not take Crestor

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to the active substance or to any of the other components of Crestor (listed in section 6).
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking Crestor, stop taking it immediately and inform your doctor. Women should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with Crestor by using an appropriate contraceptive method.
• If you have liver disease.
• If you have severe kidney problems.
• If you have repeated or unexplained muscle pain or cramps.
• If you are taking a combination of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir medicines (used for a viral liver infection called hepatitis C).
• If you are taking a medicine called cyclosporine (used, for example, after organ transplantation).

If you are in any of the situations mentioned above (or are unsure), please consult your doctor again.

In addition, do not take the highest dose (40 mg)

• If you have moderate kidney problems (if in doubt, consult your doctor).
• If your thyroid gland is not functioning properly.
• If you have repeated or unexplained muscle pain or cramps, a personal or family history of muscle problems, or a previous history of muscle problems while taking other cholesterol-lowering medicines.
• If you regularly consume large amounts of alcohol.
• If you are of Asian origin (e.g., Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, or Indian).
• If you are taking other medicines called fibrates to lower cholesterol.

If you are in any of the situations mentioned above (or are unsure), please consult your doctor again.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take Crestor

• If you have kidney problems.
• If you have liver problems.
• If you have repeated or unexplained muscle pain or cramps, a personal or family history of muscle problems, or a previous history of muscle problems while taking other cholesterol-lowering medicines. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain or cramps, especially if accompanied by general malaise or fever. Also inform your doctor or pharmacist if you experience persistent muscle weakness.
• If you have or have had myasthenia gravis (a disease characterized by generalized muscle weakness that, in some cases, affects the muscles used for breathing) or ocular myasthenia (a condition causing weakness of the eye muscles), as statins may sometimes worsen the condition or trigger the onset of myasthenia (see section 4).
• If you have ever developed a severe skin rash, skin peeling, blisters, and/or mouth sores after taking Crestor or other related medicines.
• If you regularly consume large amounts of alcohol.
• If your thyroid gland is not functioning properly.
• If you are taking other medicines called fibrates to lower cholesterol. Read this leaflet carefully, even if you have previously taken cholesterol-lowering medicines.
• If you are taking medicines to treat HIV infection (AIDS virus), such as ritonavir with lopinavir and/or atazanavir; see “Other medicines and Crestor”.
• If you are taking or have taken within the last 7 days a medicine called fusidic acid, (a medicine for bacterial infection), taken orally or by injection. The combination of fusidic acid and Crestor may cause serious muscle problems (rhabdomyolysis); please see “Other medicines and Crestor”.
• If you are over 70 years old, as your doctor must determine the appropriate starting dose of Crestor for you.
• If you have severe respiratory failure.
• If you are of Asian origin (e.g., Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, or Indian). Your doctor must determine the appropriate starting dose of Crestor for you.

If you are in any of the situations mentioned above (or are unsure):

• Do not take the highest dose of 40 mg and consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any dose of Crestor.

Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), have been reported with Crestor treatment. Stop using Crestor and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the symptoms described in section 4.

In a small number of people, statins may affect the liver. This is detected by a simple blood test showing increased levels of liver enzymes (transaminases). For this reason, your doctor will usually perform blood tests (liver function test) before and after starting treatment with Crestor.

While taking this medicine, your doctor will monitor you closely if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes. You are likely to be at risk of developing diabetes if you have high blood sugar levels, are overweight, and have high blood pressure.

Children and adolescents

• If the patient is under 6 years of age: Crestor must not be given to children under 6 years of age.

Other medicines and Crestor

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might need to take any other medicines.

Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• cyclosporine (used after organ transplantation),
• warfarin, clopidogrel, or ticagrelor (or any other anticoagulant medicine, such as acenocoumarol),
• fibrates (such as gemfibrozil, fenofibrate) or any other medicine used to lower cholesterol (such as ezetimibe),
• treatments for indigestion (used to neutralize stomach acid),
• erythromycin (an antibiotic),
• fusidic acid (an antibiotic – please see below and Warnings and precautions),
• oral contraceptives (the pill),
• regorafenib (used to treat cancer),
• darolutamide (used to treat cancer),
• capmatinib (used to treat cancer),
• hormone replacement therapy,
• fostamatinib (used to treat low platelet count),
• febuxostat (used to treat and prevent high blood uric acid levels),
• teriflunomide (used to treat multiple sclerosis),
• leflunomide (used to treat rheumatoid arthritis),
• any of the following medicines used to treat viral infections, including HIV or hepatitis C, alone or in combination (see Warnings and Precautions): ritonavir, lopinavir, atazanavir, sofosbuvir, voxilaprevir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, dasabuvir, velpatasvir, grazoprevir, elbasvir, glecaprevir, pibrentasvir,
• roxadustat or vadadustat (used to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease),
• tafamidis (used to treat a disease called transthyretin amyloidosis),
• momelotinib (used to treat myelofibrosis in adults with anemia).

The effects of these medicines may be altered by Crestor or may change the effect of Crestor.

If you need to take oral fusidic acid to treat a bacterial infection, you must temporarily stop taking this medicine. Your doctor will advise you when it is safe to restart Crestor. Taking Crestor with fusidic acid may rarely cause muscle weakness, tenderness, or pain (rhabdomyolysis). See more information about rhabdomyolysis in section 4.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Crestor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking Crestor, stop taking it immediately and inform your doctor. Women should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with Crestor by using an appropriate contraceptive method.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any medicine.

Driving and using machines

Most patients can drive vehicles and operate machinery while taking Crestor, as it will not affect their ability. However, some people may experience dizziness during treatment with Crestor. If you feel dizzy, consult your doctor before attempting to drive or use machines.

Crestor contains lactose.

If your doctor has informed you that you have an intolerance to certain sugars (lactose or milk sugar), consult him before taking Crestor.

The complete list of ingredients is in Contents of the pack and other information.

3. How to take Crestor

Follow exactly the instructions for taking this medicine as given by your doctor. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist again.

Usual doses in adults

If you are taking Crestor for high cholesterol levels:

Starting dose

Your treatment with Crestor should begin with a dose of 5 mg or 10 mg, even if you have previously taken a higher dose of another statin. The choice of starting dose will depend on:

• Your cholesterol levels.
• Your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
• Whether you have factors that make you more susceptible to possible side effects.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist which is the best starting dose of Crestor for you.

Your doctor may decide to start treatment with the smallest dose (5 mg):

• If you are of Asian origin (e.g., Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, or Indian).
• If you are over 70 years old.
• If you have moderate kidney problems.
• If you are at risk of muscle pain and cramps (myopathy).

Dose increase and maximum daily dose

Your doctor may decide to increase your dose so that you receive the appropriate dose of Crestor for your condition. If you started with a dose of 5 mg, your doctor may decide to double the dose to 10 mg, then to 20 mg, and later to 40 mg, if necessary. If you started with a dose of 10 mg, your doctor may decide to double the dose to 20 mg and then to 40 mg, if necessary. There will be an interval of four weeks between each dose adjustment.

The maximum daily dose of Crestor is 40 mg. This dose is only for patients with high cholesterol and a high risk of heart attack or stroke whose cholesterol levels do not decrease sufficiently with 20 mg.

If you are taking Crestor to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or related health problems:

The recommended dose is 20 mg daily. However, your doctor may decide to use a lower dose if you have any of the factors mentioned above.

Use in children and adolescents aged 6–17 years

The dose range for children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years is 5 mg to 20 mg once daily. The usual starting dose is 5 mg daily, and your doctor may gradually increase the dose until reaching the appropriate dose of Crestor for you. The maximum recommended daily dose of Crestor is 10 mg or 20 mg for children aged 6 to 17 years, depending on the underlying condition being treated. Take your dose once daily.

How to take the tablets

Swallow each tablet whole with water.

Take Crestor once daily. You may take it at any time of day, with or without food.

Try to take the tablets at the same time each day. This will help you remember to take them.

Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels

It is important that you visit your doctor regularly for cholesterol checks to ensure your cholesterol levels have normalized and remain at appropriate levels.

Your doctor may decide to increase your dose so that you receive the appropriate dose of Crestor for your condition.

If you take more Crestor than you should

Contact your doctor or nearest hospital for advice.

In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately, or call the Toxicology Information Service at 91 562 04 20, stating the medication and the amount ingested.

If you are admitted to hospital or receive treatment for another condition, inform healthcare staff that you are taking Crestor.

If you forget to take Crestor

Do not worry—simply take the next scheduled dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you stop taking Crestor

Consult your doctor if you wish to stop treatment with Crestor. Your cholesterol levels may rise again if you stop taking Crestor.

If you have any further questions about the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible adverse effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause adverse effects, although not everyone will experience them.

It is important that you are aware of what these adverse effects may be. They are usually mild and disappear within a short period of time.

Stop taking Crestor and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following allergic reactions:

• Difficulty breathing, with or without swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat, which may cause difficulty swallowing.
• Intense itching of the skin (with hives).
• Reddish, flat spots on the trunk, target-shaped or circular, often with central blisters, skin peeling, and ulcers in the mouth, throat, nose, genitals, and eyes. These serious skin rashes may be preceded by fever and flu-like symptoms (Stevens-Johnson syndrome).
• Widespread rash, high body temperature, and enlarged lymph nodes (DRESS syndrome or drug hypersensitivity syndrome).

Also stop taking Crestor and consult your doctor immediately:

• If you experience unexplained muscle pain and cramps lasting longer than expected. Muscle symptoms are more frequent in children and adolescents than in adults. As with other statins, a very small number of people have experienced unpleasant muscular effects, which very rarely have led to a potentially fatal muscle injury called rhabdomyolysis.

• If you experience muscle rupture.

• If you develop a syndrome with symptoms similar to lupus (including hives, joint disorders, and effects on blood cells).

Common adverse effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Headache, stomach pain, constipation, nausea, muscle pain, weakness, dizziness.
• An increase in the amount of protein in the urine – this usually returns to normal on its own without the need to stop treatment with Crestor tablets (common adverse effect only with the 40 mg daily dose of Crestor).
• Diabetes. This is more likely if you have high levels of sugar and lipids in the blood, are overweight, and have high blood pressure. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are taking this medicine.

Uncommon adverse effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Hives, itching, and other skin reactions.
• An increase in the amount of protein in the urine – this usually returns to normal on its own without the need to stop treatment with Crestor tablets (uncommon adverse effect with the 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg daily doses of Crestor).

Rare adverse effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

• Severe allergic reaction – symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and intense itching of the skin (with hives). If you think you are having an allergic reaction, stop taking Crestor and seek immediate medical attention.
• Muscle injury in adults – as a precaution, stop taking Crestor and consult your doctor immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain or cramps lasting longer than expected.
• Severe stomach pain (possible sign of pancreas inflammation).
• Increase in liver enzymes (transaminases) in the blood.
• Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal due to low platelet levels in the blood.
• Syndrome with symptoms similar to lupus (including hives, joint disorders, and effects on blood cells).

Very rare adverse effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), hepatitis (inflamed liver), traces of blood in the urine, nerve damage in the arms and legs (with numbness or tingling), joint pain, memory loss, and enlargement of the breasts in men (gynecomastia).

Adverse effects with unknown frequency (cannot be estimated from available data) which may include

• Diarrhea (loose stools), cough, shortness of breath, edema (swelling), sleep disturbances, including insomnia and nightmares, sexual problems, depression, breathing problems, including persistent cough and/or shortness of breath or fever, tendon injuries, and persistent muscle weakness.
• Myasthenia gravis (a disease causing generalized muscle weakness that, in some cases, affects the muscles used for breathing).
• Ocular myasthenia (a disease causing weakness of the eye muscles).

Consult your doctor if you experience worsening weakness in the arms or legs after periods of activity, double vision or drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing.

Reporting of adverse effects

If you experience any adverse effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible adverse effect not listed in this leaflet. You can also report them directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Medicines: https://www.notificaram.es. By reporting adverse effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Storage of Crestor

• Blisters: Do not store above 30º C. Keep in the original packaging to protect from moisture.
• Bottles: Do not store above 30º C. Keep the bottle tightly closed to protect from moisture.
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the packaging/blister/label after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month indicated.
• Medicines must not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Return unused medicines and their containers to the SIGRE point at your pharmacy. If you have any doubts, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused medicines and their containers. This will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

Composition of Crestor

The active substance in Crestor is rosuvastatin. Crestor film-coated tablets contain rosuvastatin calcium equivalent to 20 mg of rosuvastatin. The other components of the tablets are: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose (E460), calcium phosphate, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, glyceryl triacetate, titanium dioxide (E171). Crestor 20 mg film-coated tablets also contain red iron oxide (E172).

Appearance of the product and contents of the pack

Crestor is available in blister packs containing 7, 14, 15, 20, 28, 30, 42, 50, 56, 60, 84, 90, 98 and 100 tablets, and in plastic bottles containing 30 and 100 tablets. (Not all pack sizes may be marketed in all countries.)

Crestor 20 mg film-coated tablets are pink, round tablets, engraved with ‘ZD4522’ and ‘20’ on one side and smooth on the other.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer

Marketing Authorisation Holder:

Grünenthal GmbH
Zieglerstraße 6
52078 Aachen
Germany

Manufacturers:

AstraZeneca AB, S-152 57, Södertälje, Sweden
Telephone: +46 8 553 260 000

Grünenthal GmbH, Zieglerstraße 6, 52078 Aachen, Germany
Telephone: +49 (0) 241 569 0

Farmaceutici Formenti S.p.A., Via Di Vittorio 2, 21040 Origgio (VA), Italy
Telephone: +39 02 969581

Local representative:

Almirall, S.A.
Ronda General Mitre, 151
08022 Barcelona
Spain

This medicinal product is authorised in the Member States of the European Economic Area under the following names:

Crestor 20 mg (NL, AT, BE, DE, ES, FR, DK, GR, FI, IS, IE, IT, LU, NO, PL, PT, SE).

Date of the most recent revision of this leaflet: October 2025

Detailed and up-to-date information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es/