Rosuvastatin

Coronary Artery Disease, Hypercholesterolemia ... show more

Drug Status

approvals.svg

Government Approvals

US(FDA), UK(BNF)

approvals.svg

WHO Essential Medicine

NO

approvals.svg

Known Teratogen

NO

approvals.svg

Pharmaceutical Class

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor

approvals.svg

Controlled Drug Substance

NO

Video Thumbnail
Drug Ingredient

Rosuvastatin

Learn more about this brand -

Click Here

Summary

  • Rosuvastatin is used to lower cholesterol levels in your blood. It's particularly beneficial for those with heart problems or at risk of developing them. It can also help prevent heart disease and stroke.

  • Rosuvastatin works by blocking an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol, thus reducing the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream. It lowers the levels of 'bad' cholesterol and increases the levels of 'good' cholesterol.

  • Rosuvastatin is usually taken once a day, with a dose ranging from 5 to 40 mg. The length of treatment depends on your individual needs and response to the medication.

  • Common side effects of Rosuvastatin include headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, weakness, and nausea. More serious side effects include memory loss, confusion, liver problems, and presence of protein or blood in the urine.

  • Rosuvastatin should not be taken if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. It's not recommended for those with liver issues or those allergic to any of its ingredients. Always consult your doctor before starting or stopping the medication.

Indications and Purpose

How does one know if Rosuvastatin is working?

After starting or changing the dose of rosuvastatin, your doctor will check your cholesterol levels within a month. Based on the results, they may adjust your dosage to make sure your cholesterol levels are well-controlled.

How does Rosuvastatin work?

Rosuvastatin helps lower cholesterol by reducing how much is made in the body. This prevents cholesterol from building up in arteries and blocking blood flow to organs.

Is Rosuvastatin effective?

Rosuvastatin tablets help improve cholesterol levels in the body. They work by lowering the levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and increasing the levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL). This helps reduce the amount of fat in the blood, which can improve overall health.

What is Rosuvastatin?

Rosuvastatin is a medicine that helps lower bad cholesterol levels in your blood. It also reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke for those with heart problems or are at risk of developing them. Rosuvastatin works by slowing down the way cholesterol is made by the body.

What is Rosuvastatin used for?

Rosuvastatin helps lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. It works by reducing "bad cholesterol" (LDL) and triglycerides, and increasing "good cholesterol" (HDL). Rosuvastatin can also lower cholesterol levels in children with inherited high cholesterol conditions.

Directions for Use

For how long do I take Rosuvastatin?

Rosuvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering medication, needs to be taken continuously to keep your cholesterol levels down and protect your heart. If you stop taking it, your cholesterol levels may go up again, which can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. So, it's important to talk to your doctor if you're considering stopping rosuvastatin, so they can suggest other ways to manage your cholesterol.

How do I dispose of Rosuvastatin?

If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.

How do I take Rosuvastatin?

Rosuvastatin can be taken with or without food. Swallow tablets whole; do not crush or chew. If you have difficulty swallowing, consult your doctor or pharmacist before opening the capsule. Wait at least 2 hours after taking antacids like Mylanta or Maalox before taking Rosuvastatin.

How long does it take for Rosuvastatin to start working?

Rosuvastatin starts working quickly, within 30 minutes of taking it. Even though you may not notice any immediate changes in how you feel, the medicine is still working to lower your cholesterol. It's important to keep taking it regularly, even if you don't feel any different, because it's still providing benefits.

How should I store Rosuvastatin?

Keep rosuvastatin tablets at room temperature in a dry place between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Store the tablets in the original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Avoid storing the tablets in the bathroom or areas with high heat and moisture.

What is the usual dose of Rosuvastatin?

For adults, the regular dose of rosuvastatin is 10-20mg daily, with a range of 5-40mg. For children, the maximum daily dose is 20mg, determined by a doctor based on their specific needs and other medications they are taking.

Warnings and Precautions

Can I take Rosuvastatin with other prescription drugs?

Some medicines can affect how well rosuvastatin works. These include medicines used for HIV, hepatitis C, or organ transplant. If you take prescription drugs, tell your doctor so they can check for possible interactions and adjust your medications if needed.

Can I take Rosuvastatin with vitamins or supplements?

Some herbal remedies and complementary medicines may not be safe to take with rosuvastatin because they have not been tested in the same way as prescription medications. It is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products to ensure they are safe for you.

Can Rosuvastatin be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Rosuvastatin should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers. It is found in breast milk and may cause harm to the baby. There is no information about how rosuvastatin affects milk production. Because of the potential risks, breastfeeding is not recommended while taking rosuvastatin.

Can Rosuvastatin be taken safely while pregnant?

Rosuvastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol. It is not safe for pregnant women to take because it can harm the baby. This is because the medication can prevent the baby's body from making substances that are important for its development. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether rosuvastatin is right for you.

Does Rosuvastatin have adverse effects?

Adverse effects, which are unwanted or harmful reactions to a medicine, can occur with any medication. For this medicine, common adverse effects might include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth. These effects can vary in how often they happen, but they are generally not severe. However, there are rare but serious adverse effects that need immediate medical attention, such as difficulty breathing, severe rash, or swelling of the face and throat. It's crucial to report any new or worsening symptoms to a healthcare provider. Never stop taking a medicine without first consulting a healthcare professional, as they can provide guidance on how to manage side effects safely.

Does Rosuvastatin have any safety warnings?

This medicine does have safety warnings. One key warning is the risk of allergic reactions, which occur when the body's immune system overreacts to the medicine. This can lead to symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If you notice these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Another warning is the potential for liver damage, which can happen if the medicine is processed by the liver and causes harm. Signs to watch for include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue. If these occur, contact a healthcare provider. Lastly, there is a warning about interactions with other medications, which can alter the effectiveness or increase side effects. Be sure to inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking to avoid this. Monitoring for unusual symptoms or changes in health is important to guard against these warnings.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Rosuvastatin?

Limit alcohol intake while on Rosuvastatin, as excessive drinking may increase the risk of liver damage. Moderate consumption is generally safe, but consult your doctor for specific recommendations.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Rosuvastatin?

Exercise is generally safe and beneficial while on Rosuvastatin, but stop and consult your doctor if you experience unusual muscle pain, weakness, or cramps during physical activity.

Is it safe to stop Rosuvastatin?

To determine if it's safe to stop a medicine, first identify its purpose. If it's for managing a chronic condition like hypertension or diabetes, stopping it suddenly can lead to serious health risks, such as uncontrolled blood pressure or blood sugar levels. If the medicine is for symptomatic relief or treating an acute condition, like an infection, stopping it prematurely might result in the return of symptoms or incomplete treatment. Some medicines can cause withdrawal or rebound symptoms if stopped abruptly, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. It's crucial to consult with a doctor before stopping any medicine, as they can provide guidance on how to safely discontinue it, if appropriate, and monitor for any adverse effects.

Is Rosuvastatin addictive?

This medicine does not have any known potential for dependence or addiction. It is considered safe in terms of habit-forming properties. Therefore, there is no need to worry about developing a physical or psychological dependence on this medication. However, it is always important to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective use. If you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms while taking this medicine, consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.

Is Rosuvastatin safe for the elderly?

Elderly patients using rosuvastatin should start with low doses to minimize side effects, as they may be more sensitive to medications. Regular monitoring for muscle-related issues and liver function is essential. Caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions due to polypharmacy. Discussions with healthcare providers are crucial to assess individual risks and benefits, especially for those over 75 years old.

What are the most common side effects of Rosuvastatin?

A side effect is an unwanted or unexpected symptom caused by a medicine. For this medicine, common side effects may include nausea, which is feeling sick to your stomach, dizziness, which is feeling lightheaded or unsteady, headache, which is pain in the head, fatigue, which is feeling very tired, and dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. The frequency of these side effects can vary, but they are generally considered common. It's important to note that when starting a new medicine, people might experience new symptoms that could be coincidental, unrelated, or temporary. These symptoms might also be due to another health issue. Always talk to a healthcare provider before stopping any medicine, as they can provide guidance on managing side effects and ensure your treatment is safe and effective.

Who should avoid taking Rosuvastatin?

Rosuvastatin tablets should not be taken by people who are allergic to any of their ingredients. People who have had skin rashes, itching, hives, or swelling due to rosuvastatin in the past should also avoid taking these tablets.