Developed by AstraZeneca, Crestor is used to treat high cholesterol and high triglycerides in the blood

In Aug 2006, the FDA approved Crestor as an adjunct therapy accompanied by a low cholesterol diet and exercise program to reduce the overall level of bad cholesterol in the blood stream. Because the FDA was aware that Crestor posed serious health risks, they approved it below the suggested dosage. Crestor can cause rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which muscle cells are damaged causing release of myoglobin, which in turn causes kidney damage and can be fatal.

In 2004, the consumer interest group, Public Citizen, filed a Citizen's petition with the FDA asking that Crestor be withdrawn from the market. In March of 2005, the FDA issued a letter denying the petition and providing an extensive detailed analysis of findings which demonstrated no basis for concerns even though the FDA's own research had previously shown otherwise. 

Serious Side Effects of Crestor

• Dark or Red urine
• Muscle tenderness
• Muscle or generalized weakness
• Muscle stiffness
• Joint Pain
• Fatigue, Seizures