Rosuvastatin

💊 What is Rosuvastatin used for?

• •To reduce the risk of major heart and blood vessel events (such as heart attack, stroke, or certain procedures to open arteries) in adults who do not have established coronary heart disease but are at increased risk based on age, a blood test for inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), and at least one other heart risk factor.
• •As an add-on to diet, to lower LDL cholesterol in adults with primary hyperlipidemia.
• •As an add-on to diet, to lower LDL cholesterol and slow the buildup of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis) in adults.
• •To lower LDL cholesterol in adults and children aged 8 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
• •To lower LDL cholesterol in adults and children aged 7 years and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, together with other LDL-lowering treatments or alone if those treatments are not available.
• •As an add-on to diet for adults with primary dysbetalipoproteinemia or high triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia).

How it works

The label describes rosuvastatin as an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, also called a statin. It works by decreasing the body's production of cholesterol.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says to take rosuvastatin by mouth as a single dose once daily, at any time of day, with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole. The label says the prescriber may check LDL cholesterol as early as 4 weeks after starting and may adjust the dose. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •5 mg tablets: yellow, round, film-coated, marked with "R" on one side and "5" on the other
• •10 mg tablets: pink, round, film-coated, marked with "R" on one side and "10" on the other
• •20 mg tablets: pink, round, film-coated, marked with "R" on one side and "20" on the other
• •40 mg tablets: pink, oval, film-coated, marked with "R" on one side and "40" on the other
• •The label lists bottles of 500 tablets for each strength.

⚠️ Rosuvastatin side effects

🛑 Who should not take Rosuvastatin, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis (the label lists these as contraindications).
• 🚨You have had an allergic reaction to rosuvastatin or to any of the other ingredients in the tablets.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines. The label says the risk of muscle problems is higher with certain other medicines.
• •The label says the prescriber may check liver enzymes before starting and as needed afterward.
• •The label lists these as risk factors for muscle problems: age 65 or older, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, kidney impairment, and taking certain other medicines. It also says Asian patients may have a higher risk of muscle problems.
• •The label says the risk of muscle problems is greater at higher doses.
• •The label says high blood sugar (HbA1c and fasting glucose) may increase. It encourages regular exercise, a healthy body weight, and healthy food choices.
• •Tell your provider if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• •Tell your prescriber if you take warfarin. The label says an INR blood test should be done before starting, and checked often until stable.

🔀 Rosuvastatin with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Cyclosporine and gemfibrozil: the label says using these with rosuvastatin is not recommended because the risk of muscle problems increases.
• •Certain antiviral medicines, darolutamide, and regorafenib: the label says dose changes are recommended for these.
• •Niacin, fibrates, and colchicine: the label says these may also increase the risk of muscle problems.
• •Aluminum and magnesium hydroxide antacids: the label says to take rosuvastatin at least 2 hours before the antacid.
• •Warfarin: the label says to check INR before starting and monitor it often.
• •The label lists other medicines that raise rosuvastatin levels, such as teriflunomide, enasidenib, capmatinib, and fostamatinib. Ask your pharmacist to check your full medicine list.

Alcohol and food

The label does not mention alcohol. It says rosuvastatin can be taken with or without food.

🤰 Rosuvastatin in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says to stop rosuvastatin when pregnancy is recognized, or to consider the individual patient's ongoing needs. It says rosuvastatin may cause fetal harm based on how it works, and that treating high cholesterol is generally not necessary during pregnancy. Tell your provider right away if you are or might be pregnant.

Breastfeeding

The label says breastfeeding during treatment with rosuvastatin is not recommended.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). The full storage instructions were cut off in the text provided, so check the medicine label or ask your pharmacist for details.

If a dose is missed

The label says that if a dose is missed, do not take an extra dose. Just go back to the usual schedule and take the next dose as normal.

If too much is taken

The label says there is no specific antidote for rosuvastatin overdose, and hemodialysis does not significantly remove it. For an overdose, contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 or a medical toxicologist.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Rosuvastatin

• Why am I being prescribed rosuvastatin instead of another statin?
• Will I need blood tests for my liver or cholesterol, and when?
• Which of my current medicines or supplements could raise my risk of muscle problems?
• What muscle symptoms should make me call you right away?
• Should I change my diet or activity level while taking this medicine?
• What should I do if I think I may be pregnant?
• If I take an antacid, how far apart should I take it from rosuvastatin?

❓ Rosuvastatin: frequently asked questions