Rosuvastatin for High Cholesterol User Reviews (Page 4)

• not...
• March 22, 2016

Rosuvastatin "I had triglycerides of 400. I was put on Crestor 5mg. After a month, they were down to 280. By 5 weeks, my legs and arms would wake me up at night with horrible aches. My feet got so bad I would get out of bed and have to hold on because the muscles were numb. Went back to the doctor. I take it 3 times a week now. No side effects. With a coupon online, I pay $1.00 for a 30-day supply. Shop around. I will go back in 2 weeks to see if 3 times a week helps lower the triglycerides at all."

• TCR...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 20, 2021

Rosuvastatin "I was on Crestor for several years. I was also on Wellbutrin for depression, Trazodone for insomnia, and Topamax for headaches. In 2020, my headaches got steadily worse. By the beginning of 2021, I was on 4 migraine meds, and nothing was helping. Then my doctor took me off Crestor and started me on Zetia instead. Within a few weeks, I started falling asleep in the evenings without Trazodone. Then I noticed my headaches were less frequent, and I was in a better mood throughout the day. I was able to stop taking 6 meds — my antidepressant, my sleeping med, and 4 migraine meds — because almost everything I was being treated for was a side effect of Crestor. I had been on so many meds, and I still felt awful all the time because of Crestor. I spent thousands of dollars in therapy trying to figure out why I was so depressed. My relationship with my husband was stressful because I had absolutely no sex drive. Crestor cost me dearly for the past decade. I would never recommend this drug."

• Gol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2019

"Absolutely horrible drug. Took Crestor (5 mg) for around 3 months until I figured out it was poisoning me. Started in the feet with nerve pain and edema. Moved into lower back and legs. Aggravated sciatica in my lower back and neck. Two weeks of torture. Quit 5 days ago, noticed some improvements to my lower back and feet. Neck is still bad. May take days to weeks to get better. Praying no long-term damage. Also experienced shoulder pain, high blood pressure, and headaches. Told my Dr I would rather take my chances."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2022

Rosuvastatin "Upon stopping Lipitor for elevated liver enzymes after multiple years of use, I was started on Crestor at 2.5 mg daily. Lipids were still high after 6 weeks, so the dosage was increased to 5 mg daily. After 10 days, I was seen in the ED for vertigo; CT and labs all OK; started on prn Meclizine and Zofran and Medrol pack. Dizziness and horrific nystagmus continued. After discussing with the pharmacist, I learned 4% of Crestor users had to discontinue due to vertigo! I informed my PCP and also the ED docs."

• buc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2024

"I was prescribed Rosuvastatin/Crestor for high cholesterol (total 210 - 230). Started with 5 mg one month, then 10, 20, and finally 40 mg daily. Had regular lower extremity painful muscle spasms all during this time but assumed I had pulled something during a workout. I had monthly blood tests and my CK reached dangerously high levels (990's) and I had a distal bicep tendon rupture requiring surgery. My doc had me stop and refuses to attempt any more statin use due to my dangerous intolerance. My CK appears permanently elevated (700 - 800), I have permanent muscle damage to hips and thighs, but at least the muscle spasms are less frequent. This medication had very negative and permanent side effects for me. Glad it works for others."

• Peg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2023

"I took 5 mg for 2 nights. The morning of the third day, I woke up yelling from a nightmare at 5 am. I don't have nightmares or dreams, and I sleep well. My wrists and feet ached, and the back of my shoulders ached. I could barely use my hands, they hurt so bad. I got diarrhea. The aches went away by 3 pm. I still have diarrhea two days later. I stopped taking the pill. I did some research, and one of the rare side effects is sleep disturbance and nightmares. I called my doctor and left a message. Her assistant called me back and said the doctor has never heard of nightmares as a side effect and didn't feel it was related. I called the pharmacy. It is related. It is a rare side effect. I will not take this again. My aches have gone, I slept well last night, like I always do, and my diarrhea is better. This drug is not my answer."

• bet...
• March 7, 2018

"Been taking 20 mg each night since Nov., and besides mild joint pain upon awakening during the first month (pain has since disappeared), I’ve had no other complications. I was prescribed these over a year ago for high cholesterol (265), but would not take them because I read so many bad reviews. I tried very hard for almost a year to lower my cholesterol with strict diet and exercise but could only lower it to 250. Then in Nov., I experienced pain in my chest and upper arms so bad, it forced me to go to the ER where I was found to have blockages to my heart. I needed 2 stents inserted and was put on this statin while in the hospital. I am writing this review mainly to let people know that not everyone has severe side effects. If not for being scared off by bad reviews, I would have definitely taken this med when first prescribed and maybe not have needed stents. This med worked great to lower my cholesterol down to 142 within weeks, and I am pretty much eating whatever I want."

• alm...
• November 1, 2008

Rosuvastatin "Experienced just about every side effect. Early on got rash and discomfort, physician waited to discontinue use. Progressively worsened; not being able to move. Physician then recommended to stop medicine. Several days later, most side effects gone. Alive again."

• E P...
• August 17, 2016

Rosuvastatin "Currently on Crestor 20 mg, but I cut it in half and only take maybe twice a week, and I'm experiencing mild joint aches, upset stomach in the AM hours after taking before bedtime the night before. I also tend to forget minor things, such as keys in the truck, lunch in the fridge for work, but not too often. I am 44 years old and have been on the med for about 3 years now. I believe I will ask the doctor to prescribe a milder med, if possible, on my next appointment."

• Jo ...
• May 11, 2022

Rosuvastatin "For decades, my cholesterol numbers have been high, but because the “good” cholesterol was always much higher, I was never put on any drugs. I always had creative and stressful work, requiring long hours. I also developed HBP, although I don’t drink coffee, only have a recreational drink from time to time, and have never smoked. During an unrelated illness, my BP was high, and so I was started on metoprolol. It did not work well with me at all, so my primary changed it to the lowest dose of carvedilol. My cardiologist increased it. Then he put me on a combination of Zetia (10 mg) and Crestor (5 mg). I can tell you that the combination of all three has put me in hell: joint pain, muscular pain, fogginess, forgetfulness, lethargy, and UTIs. As I write this, I am in bed, not because of a sudden and extreme pain in my right leg last night, muscle weakness, and the most severe cramps ever. The doc will not take me off the meds as they brought the numbers down. But I will."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2024

"I started this medicine six months ago at a dose of 5 mg a day. I started having several side effects, including low energy, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, stomach pain, and insomnia. I talked to my doctor, and he reduced the dose to 5 mg every other day. Then I noticed losing weight and hair shedding, I'm unsure if it's related to this medication. Does anyone else experience weight loss and hair shedding? Thank you."

• LAd...
• November 12, 2015

Rosuvastatin "Gained 8 pounds in two months, wearing a splint for my left wrist due to extreme tendon/muscle pain, can't lift anything. Also noticed that I can't lift any of the weights that I used to be able to at the gym as my upper body isn't as strong as it used to be. Had blood work yesterday, so I don't know if it lowered my cholesterol (300 range), but Dr. is taking me off (5mg) it for a month."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2023

"Taking generic Crestor. Within a month, low back pain and stabby pain in knees and elbows. The cardio doctor said to take it for three months and get blood work done. So stupid me stayed on it the full three months. In that three months, my ankles and toes stiffened, and intense heel pain and back pain turned into spasms mid-back on either side of the spine. Intense enough to cry out. Can't put dinner in the oven and cannot bend over that far without spasms, cannot go down the stairs as I get spasms all the way back up the stairs, getting in and out of the car the back spasms again. Stopped it three weeks ago. Ankles, toes, and heel improved within ten days. At three weeks off the med, the back spasms continue. My cardio and family doctor want me to start it again. I will not. I want at least three months to hopefully heal the damage. Working on a diet now. I am interested to see the blood work in three months without it. Oh, and the emotional toll too, stressed and easily 'weepy'-not sure if it's from the meds or the pain."

• cjg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2020

Rosuvastatin "2nd time on Crestor. Stopped taking the first time due to leg pain. Tried it again and had side effects of gained weight, my GERD increased, had trouble getting my legs to move, nightmares, intermittent blurred vision, increased left hip pain, so I had to curl my leg up in bed instead of leaving it straight, which caused pain. I had a hard time driving due to blurry vision. Crestor is an expensive medicine. Because the HDL cholesterol numbers are decreased, well, I don't know if we know enough about cholesterol to know how much it helps. Could not stay on it long enough to see if it helped the HDL."

• JFE...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2019

"I began taking rosuvastatin in conjunction with valsartan (about two weeks apart), and I was horrified at the reviews, but after being on it for almost a week, I'm impressed. The first few days on this are not that pleasant, but they are bearable. After the initial side effects wore off, I feel better than I have in so long. My only complaint is nausea (but again, it is bearable), and if you eat anything with a high-fat content, you will have diarrhea. I am 42, female, and am being treated for high blood pressure and high cholesterol."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2019

"After taking Crestor generic, I had trouble sitting down and standing up, my muscles in my legs and shoulders are so weak and painful I have trouble entering a car and exiting a car. I am 84 years old and don’t expect to get any better."

• Jon...
• February 6, 2016

Rosuvastatin "After having unwanted side effects with two other statins, my PCP suggested trying Crestor. This was about 6 years ago. Since then, as he states it, I could be the poster boy for Crestor. At only a 5 mg/day dosage, my cholesterol level has dropped from ~290 to consistently below 200 with no side effects. My only concern is there is no generic alternative, and it is VERY expensive when the insurance companies declare that it's not in their formulary of preventive medications. I've been lucky that my PCP has been able to convince the ins co that I can't tolerate an alternative, so have not had to pay for the medication for the past several years (treated as preventative). That's changing now that I'm retired and have to go to new insurance."

• KAK...
• February 19, 2016

Rosuvastatin "Jonboy, in response to your concern over the cost of Crestor, I have been paying $50 for a 3-month supply of this medication, with my health insurance. However, the last time that I was at the pharmacy, a man online informed me that his wife pays $3 for the 3-month supply. And, no, I'm not kidding. I actually looked up the website on my phone (with a little help from the clerk). Please look at all the Crestor websites and research the coupon. Since the coupon is in the computer, I'm told I will be paying this amount for the next year. Good luck."

• yoz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2020

"Had a doctor for 20 years who did not believe in treating cholesterol. My numbers were sometimes high, but I never really paid attention. Moved to another city. New doc said my cholesterol was 225, HDL okay, LDL a bit high. Put me on a statin. Numbers dropped, but pain in forearm. I dropped statin 10 years to present. Put on rosuvastatin. My numbers: 225 cholesterol, HDL good, LDL too high at 140. Started 3 months ago. Took a mini dose of 5 mg every other day. Now cholesterol 167, triglycerides 104, HDL 50, and LDL 96. All good. However, eating the same but gaining weight. For the past 6 weeks, I have been treated for a nasty rash all over my arms. The rash is hard to get rid of, I look like I have the plague, and I'm getting fat. So what do I do? Go off of it for 10 days and see if these effects go away or keep taking it. Oh, another thing, my dose is pretty small, but my results are pretty good. Perhaps most people don't need as much as they are getting.???? 67-year-old male"

• emb...
• August 20, 2011

Rosuvastatin "Crestor was doing a very good job of bringing my total cholesterol from 247 to 171. However, after a year and a half, I could not stretch without pulling a muscle. I am 104 lbs, so the dosage was reduced to half of a 5 mg tablet, which did not work, my number came up to 219. I also have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Recently, I got a bad GERD pain in my chest, and I had to take an antacid before, during, and after I ate. When I quit Crestor, the pain and the head confusion went away. I felt great. Now my numbers from exercise and eating the right foods that help lower LDLs and raise HDLs have got my total to 236, with all LDLs in the normal range and my HDLs high. My doctor is now trying me on fibrates."

• joh...
• June 25, 2017

"Had 60% blockage of carotid artery 3 yrs ago. Dr. put me on 10 mg Crestor. I looked up side effects and didn't like them, so I suggested we start at 5 mg. Dr. said OK. 5 mg worked extremely well. I reacted to Crestor better than most. The latest ultrasound showed carotid as 'clear.' Bottom line is that I'm reading reviews where Dr. started out with the 40 mg and people experienced side effects. Wow. Not sure why you would start out with the highest dosage. Remember, the best dosage is the smallest dosage that works for you. Discuss with your Dr. Start low, as you can always increase the dosage."

• Jim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2019

"I am a healthy man, 67 years old, in good shape, had a stroke with no side effects. Was told to take the rosuvastatin 5 mg. My cholesterol was borderline, and I needed better HDLs. I have better energy except when awakening, I feel stiff. But it goes away after stretching. Been on it for 4 months. Had no negative side effects except it made my tinnitus a little louder. I put on a fan or air conditioner at night and can’t hear it then. I feel okay with it so far, and I am extremely drug sensitive."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 24, 2025

"Last year I was prescribed 10 mg of rosuvastatin once a week. I was achy all over, and it took about 2 months for me to connect the dots. I told my cardiologist, and he prescribed 5 mg once a week. My pain disappeared. Then in spring, I wanted to try out 5 mg twice a week, and after the first dose, my joint pain was back. I am sticking to 5 mg once a week. It lowered my LDL from 144 to 102, and I can live with that. My pain is in my joints but is extreme in my feet, top of my feet. Over-the-counter painkillers do not have any effect on that kind of pain."

• MWR...
• August 4, 2011

Rosuvastatin "I have been taking Crestor now for 1 year. I have been experiencing right leg/hip discomfort. It bothers me most at night when I turn in bed. I have lost over 20 lbs (dieting), and my liver enzymes are slightly elevated. I think I may need to cut it back to 5 mg."

• Sic...
• December 20, 2020

"I'm 55 years old and always enjoyed doing exercise and staying in shape. Before seeing a doctor, I felt youthful, energetic, and symptom-free. My doctor prescribed rosuvastatin. What a mistake! Worst of all, pain in my shoulders was so severe that I could not sleep. I have been off the medication for 12 weeks now, and the shoulder pain still exists. I have been unable to do any shoulder exercise for 16 weeks, which really makes me angry. Last year, I was swimming 80 to 100 laps per day. Now, I can't move my arms above my head. While on the medication, my body became very stiff. I walked like an 80-year-old man. I noticed my memory was failing when I had trouble recalling people's names. Fortunately, these symptoms reversed after I discontinued the medication. Now, only the shoulders are a problem. There is no treatment for statin-induced muscle pain. In other words, there is no 'safety net' when a problem occurs. I fired my primary care doctor. I just want my life back!"