Reviewed by Dr Roy Kedem, MD
Information last reviewed 11/08/19
Rosuvastatin is an oral medication used to treat high cholesterol. In some cases, it may be prescribed to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in people who have experienced a prior stroke or have been diagnosed with heart disease.
Rosuvastatin, along with Atorvastatin, Pravastatin and Simvastatin, is a “statin” medication. It works by reducing the level of LDL (bad cholesterol), and increasing the level of HDL (good cholesterol) in the blood.
Rosuvastatin is one of the “high-intensity” statin medications, so it may be specifically prescribed for people at high risk of heart attack or stroke, or for people who have known heart disease.
Rosuvastatin, similar to all the Statin medications, works by decreasing the liver’s ability to process and make more cholesterol. It works by blocking a naturally occurring enzyme in the body named HMG-CoA Reductase. Rosuvastatin and other statins have also been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, including in blood vessels.
Rosuvastatin and statins are one of the most powerful medications for lowering LDL (bad cholesterol). Reductions in LDL range from 30 to 63%. Rosuvastatin is one of the more potent statins, along with Atorvastatin.
Rosuvastatin has not been linked to causing severe cases of allergic reactions in people. It is known to be a rare occurrence for Rosuvastatin. However, if you are using the medication for the first time, you should look out for these signs: trouble breathing, a rash, swelling of your eyes/lips/face and extreme dizziness. If you feel any of these after taking the medication, please go to your nearest emergency department right away for medical attention.
Each tablet contains either 5, 10, 20, or 40 mg of Rosuvastatin.
Inactive ingredients may vary by manufacturer, but include microcrystalline cellulose NF, lactose monohydrate NF, tribasic calcium phosphate NF, crospovidone NF, magnesium stearate NF, hypromellose NF, triacetin NF, titanium dioxide USP, yellow ferric oxide, and red ferric oxide NF.
Physicians may prescribe either “low-intensity” or “high-intensity” Rosuvastatin.
Depending on risk factors, a patient may be prescribed either a low-intensity or high-intensity dose. Some reasons why a doctor would prescribe high-intensity dosing include prior heart attack or stroke, or an LDL level which did not decrease to the target goal after therapy with low-intensity Rosuvastatin.
There is no specific time of day to take Rosuvastatin. However, it should be taken at the same time each day. Take care to avoid antacids that have aluminum or magnesium in them at least two hours after taking Rosuvastatin. It can be taken with or without food.
If a dose is missed, do not double the dose, and just continue with the next day’s dose.
Before you stop taking Rosuvastatin, consult with your doctor. If side effects are a concern, your doctor may be able to switch you to a different statin medication.
If it is still within the same day, you can take the missed dose of Rosuvastatin. However, if more than 12 hours have passed since the missed dose, skip the missed dose, and resume dosing at the next scheduled time. You should not “double-up” to make up for the missed dose.
Some of the most common side effects are
In rare cases, Rosuvastatin may cause abnormal liver tests and an increase in blood sugar. You should report any side effects to your doctor to see if Rosuvastatin should be discontinued. You should avoid drinking more than three drinks of alcohol a day while taking Rosuvastatin. Rarely, Rosuvastatin can cause muscle injury and kidney injury.
Discuss all your medications with your doctor before starting Rosuvastatin. Certain medications may interact with Rosuvastatin. This includes blood thinners such as warfarin, colchicine (gout medication), ketoconazole, spironolactone, HIV medications, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, and niacin.
For mild side effects such as stomach upset, headache, or muscle aches consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
Seek immediate medical attention for any of the following more severe side effects:
Rosuvastatin should not be used if pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It should be stopped immediately if an unplanned pregnancy occurs. It should be stopped at least two to three months before becoming pregnant.
Due to Rosuvastatin being present in breast milk, use while breastfeeding is not allowed by the manufacturer.
Rosuvastatin is the generic version of Crestor.
They work via the same mechanism. Both are “high intensity” statin medications and both are used to treat high cholesterol. Your doctor may prescribe either one. Sometimes, your doctor may switch you from one to the other if you experienced side effects.
Rosuvastatin was approved by the FDA in 2003.
Rosuvastatin is available as a generic medication from multiple manufacturers such as Mylan, Priva, SunPharma, Teva, AuroPharma, and others. However, the original Rosuvastatin, or Crestor, is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
The generic version of Rosuvastatin costs between $0.04 cents to $8.95 per pill. The brand name version (Crestor) costs $10.44 per pill. This is just a representative average wholesale price (AWP) and may be different at the pharmacy.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. You and your physician will determine if and how you should take any medication prescribed to you following a medical consultation.
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