Taking Crestor (Rosuvastatin) with Calcium Supplements
You can take Crestor (rosuvastatin) with calcium supplements, but it's best to separate them by at least 2 hours to avoid potential interference with absorption. 1
Calcium Supplement Considerations
- Calcium supplements are commonly taken but should be used judiciously, with dietary sources being the preferred approach to ensuring adequate calcium intake 2, 1
- The recommended daily calcium intake is 1000 mg for adults 19-50 years and 1200 mg for women over 50 and men over 70 years 2
- Upper intake levels should not exceed 2500 mg/day for adults under 50 and 2000 mg/day for those over 50 2
Administration Guidelines
- Take calcium supplements in divided doses not exceeding 500 mg of elemental calcium at one time for optimal absorption 2, 1
- Calcium carbonate (the most common form) should be taken with meals, as acidity improves absorption 2
- Calcium citrate is less dependent on stomach acid for absorption and may be used with agents for long-term gastric acid suppression 2
Potential Side Effects of Calcium Supplements
- Common side effects include constipation, dyspepsia, bloating, and abdominal cramping 1
- Increased risk of kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) with calcium supplementation, with the risk appearing to be dose-dependent 2, 1
- Evidence regarding cardiovascular risks is inconsistent and controversial, with some studies suggesting a possible increased risk of myocardial infarction, while others show no significant increase in cardiovascular events 2, 1
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) Considerations
- Rosuvastatin has a favorable pharmacologic profile with low potential for drug interactions due to its lack of metabolism by cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme 3
- Rosuvastatin is highly effective at improving lipid profiles and achieving cholesterol goals across various patient populations 4
- The most commonly reported treatment-related adverse events with rosuvastatin are myalgia, constipation, asthenia, abdominal pain, and nausea 3
Best Practices for Combined Use
- Separate the timing of calcium supplements and rosuvastatin administration by at least 2 hours to minimize any potential interaction 1
- Consider using a fixed schedule to improve adherence (e.g., rosuvastatin in the evening and calcium with breakfast) 5
- Ensure total calcium intake from both supplements and diet does not exceed recommended upper limits 2, 1
- Monitor for any signs of side effects from either medication 1, 3
Important Caveats
- If you have kidney disease or are taking thiazide diuretics, consult with your healthcare provider before using calcium supplements 6
- Patients with high cardiovascular risk should discuss the benefits and risks of calcium supplementation with their healthcare provider 1
- Consider calcium intake from all sources (diet and supplements) when determining appropriate supplementation 2, 1