Rosuvastatin: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Rosuvastatin is a prescription medicine that lowers cholesterol in the blood. It is used to lower raised cholesterol and the risk of angina, heart attack and stroke in people with heart or blood vessel disease. It belongs to the statins. It is not recommended in pregnancy and should only be started or stopped on a doctor's advice.
Also known as: Rosuvastatin tablet, Rosuvastatin calcium, Rosuvastatin 5 mg, Rosuvastatin 10 mg, Rosuvastatin 20 mg, Crestor, Rosuvas
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Rosuvastatin work?
Rosuvastatin blocks an enzyme in the liver, HMG-CoA reductase, that the body uses to make cholesterol. The liver then makes less cholesterol and removes more LDL cholesterol from the blood.
How to take Rosuvastatin
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Rosuvastatin is usually taken once a day, with or without food, and is usually a long-term medicine. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
Side effects of Rosuvastatin
Most people take rosuvastatin without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling sick or other stomach upsets
- Aching muscles
- Trouble sleeping
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially with fever or dark urine (a rare muscle breakdown). Get medical help
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe stomach pain
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking rosuvastatin, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to rosuvastatin or any ingredient of the tablet
- Active liver disease
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: it is not recommended. Tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant or plan a baby
- Breastfeeding: ask your doctor first
- Liver or kidney problems
- An underactive thyroid or a muscle condition such as myasthenia gravis
- A past allergic or serious reaction to a statin
- Regular heavy alcohol use
Medicines and things that interact with Rosuvastatin
Rosuvastatin can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and painkillers bought over the counter.
- Fibrates and other cholesterol medicines: more risk of muscle problems
- Fusidic acid and erythromycin
- Some HIV and hepatitis C medicines
- Ciclosporin
- Warfarin and clopidogrel
- The combined contraceptive pill
If someone takes too much
One extra tablet by mistake is unlikely to cause problems, but get advice from a pharmacist or doctor. If someone has taken much more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient rosuvastatin is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Fixed-dose combinations that contain it with other medicines may be treated differently, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Rosuvastatin belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Rosuvastatin
These medicines sold in India contain Rosuvastatin. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Rosuvas 10 · 10 mg tablet
What is Rosuvastatin used for?
Medicines that contain Rosuvastatin are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Rosuvastatin.
Common questions
What is rosuvastatin used for?
Rosuvastatin is a prescription medicine used to lower raised cholesterol and to lower the risk of angina, heart attack and stroke in people with heart or blood vessel disease. It is taken alongside a healthy diet. A doctor decides whether it suits you.
Is rosuvastatin safe in pregnancy?
It is not recommended in pregnancy because it can affect the baby's development. If you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are planning a baby, tell your doctor. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
Can rosuvastatin cause muscle pain?
Aching muscles are a common side effect. Rarely, statins can damage muscle. Tell your doctor promptly about unexplained, severe pain or weakness, or dark urine. Do not stop or change the dose yourself.
Can I stop rosuvastatin once my cholesterol is normal?
Cholesterol usually rises again if a statin is stopped, so most people take it for the long term. A normal result often means the medicine is working. Talk to your doctor before making any change.
Can I drink alcohol with rosuvastatin?
Heavy drinking can raise the risk of liver problems. Keep alcohol low and ask your doctor what is reasonable for you.
Sources
- Rosuvastatin: a medicine to lower cholesterol. NHS (UK)
- Statins. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: C10AA07 rosuvastatin. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)