Do Crestor side effects go away?

Crestor (rosuvastatin) is a statin used to lower LDL cholesterol, raise HDL cholesterol, and reduce triglycerides. Like all medications, it can cause side effects—some mild and transient, others more serious.

Mild side effects

• Headache, nausea, constipation: Often appear within the first days of therapy and resolve within 1–2 weeks as the body adjusts.
• Muscle aches and joint pain: May persist during treatment. If they occur, discuss with your provider; they usually improve within 1–2 weeks after stopping Crestor.
• Elevated blood sugar, rash, dizziness: Generally transient and clear in a few weeks.

Serious side effects

• Allergic reactions (hives, throat swelling): Require immediate ER attention.
• Myopathy/rhabdomyolysis: Presents as unexplained muscle weakness, tenderness, dark urine. Usually begins to resolve days after discontinuation but may take longer.
• Liver injury: Symptoms include jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine. Can become permanent; monitoring liver enzymes is recommended.
• Cognitive impairment: Memory loss or confusion have been reported; these effects typically clear within ~3 weeks after stopping.

Impact of dose

Higher Crestor doses (20 mg) are associated with a greater incidence of side effects compared to lower doses (10 mg). Your risk also depends on age, liver/kidney function, and co‑medications.

Who should avoid Crestor?

• Active liver disease or persistent transaminase elevations
• Severe kidney impairment
• Untreated hypothyroidism
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Concomitant use of interacting drugs (e.g., gemfibrozil, certain antivirals, niacin)
• Heavy alcohol use
• Asian descent may require lower starting dose

When to seek help

If mild side effects persist beyond a few weeks, or if you experience muscle pain, dark urine, jaundice, or cognitive changes, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Sources

• Crestor (rosuvastatin) tablet, film coated [package insert]. AstraZeneca. Last updated 7/2024. Accessed Apr 25, 2025.