Rosuvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medicine used to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while increasing good cholesterol (HDL). It is commonly prescribed in doses like 10 mg or 20 mg tablets.

The medication helps prevent heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. It works best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Always take it as directed by your doctor.

What Is Rosuvastatin?

Rosuvastatin is a type of drug known as a statin, usually taken as tablets by mouth. Crestor is the brand name for Rosuvastatin, but it may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name drug.

What Are the Rosuvastatin Tablet Uses

  • Rosuvastatin is used in combination with a healthy diet to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and fats, such as triglycerides, in the blood.
  • It increases good cholesterol (HDL) levels while reducing cholesterol production in the liver.
  • Lowering LDL and triglycerides and increasing HDL reduces the risk of heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks .
  • Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet can enhance the effectiveness of Rosuvastatin.
  • Regular exercise, weight loss if overweight, and quitting smoking are additional lifestyle changes that can support the medication's benefits.

How to use Rosuvastatin Tablet?

  • Before you begin taking Rosuvastatin 20 mg or 10 mg, and each time you get a refill, read the Patient Information Leaflet if it is available from your pharmacist.
  • Swallow the capsules whole; do not crush, break, or chew them.
  • If swallowing is difficult, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on one teaspoon of soft food. Swallow the mixture without chewing and use it within 60 minutes.
  • The dosage depends on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, race, and other medications you are taking.
  • Avoid taking aluminium or magnesium-containing antacids within 2 hours of taking Rosuvastatin, as they can reduce its absorption.
  • Take Rosuvastatin at the same time each day for optimal effectiveness, even if you feel well.
  • Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not experience symptoms.

How Does Rosuvastatin Work?

Rosuvastatin belongs to a group of medicines called statins. It works by blocking a substance in the liver that the body uses to make cholesterol.

By doing this, it lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while also increasing good cholesterol (HDL). This helps reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other circulation problems.

Rosuvastatin Dosage

Rosuvastatin is usually taken once daily, with or without food. The dose depends on your cholesterol levels, medical condition, and response to treatment. Common doses include rosuvastatin 5 mg, rosuvastatin 10 mg, rosuvastatin 20 mg, and rosuvastatin 40 mg tablets.

Typical Dosage Instructions

  • Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor
  • Swallow the tablet whole with water
  • Can be taken with or without food

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What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses at once.

What Happens If There Is an Overdose?

In case of overdose, symptoms may include muscle pain, weakness, nausea, or dark urine. Seek medical help immediately. Long-term overdose can lead to serious muscle and liver damage.

Rosuvastatin Side Effects

Typical adult dosage ranges from 5 mg to 40 mg once daily, with or without food. Dosage depends on cholesterol levels, age, and risk of heart disease.

What Are the Precautions of Rosuvastatin?

  • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to rosuvastatin or if you have any other allergies. Some inactive ingredients in this product might cause allergic reactions or other problems.
  • Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have: liver disease, kidney disease, or a history of alcohol abuse.
  • Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol consumption on a regular basis may increase your risk of liver problems, especially when combined with rosuvastatin.
  • The drug's side effects, particularly muscle problems, may be more severe in older adults.
  • This medication'should not be taken during pregnancy. Rosuvastatin may be harmful to an unborn child. Consult your doctor right away if you are pregnant and you are taking Rosuvastatin.
  • This medication is excreted in breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug due to the potential risk to the infant. Before breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications

Rosuvastatin may interact with certain drugs, which can affect how it works or increase the risk of side effects. Common interacting medications include:

  • Fibrates (used for high cholesterol)
  • Immunosuppressants like cyclosporine
  • Some blood pressure medicines
  • Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium

Possible Impact of Supplements and Herbal Products

Herbal products like St. John's Wort or supplements such as red yeast rice may reduce Rosuvastatin's effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects like muscle pain. Always consult your doctor before combining them.

How Should Rosuvastatin Be Stored?

Store Rosuvastatin tablets in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Keep the bottle tightly closed and away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

Recommended Storage Temperature

The ideal storage temperature for Rosuvastatin is between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

What Happens If It Is Not Stored Properly?

If exposed to extreme conditions, the medicine may lose potency or become unsafe to use. Improper storage can lead to reduced effectiveness or chemical changes that might harm your health.

Rosuvastatin vs Atorvastatin

Rosuvastatin (Crestor) Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Drug Class Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors)
Main Use Prevents cardiovascular disease and treats abnormal lipid levels in high-risk patients Prevents cardiovascular disease and lowers abnormal lipid levels
How It Works Reduces liver cholesterol production, lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, increases good cholesterol (HDL) Slows cholesterol production to prevent buildup in arteries, improving blood flow to the heart, brain, and other organs
Used With Dietary changes, exercise, and weight loss Dietary changes, exercise, and weight loss

Reference:

Effect of Lipid lowering with rosuvastatin on progression of aortic stenosis: results of the aortic stenosis progression observation: measuring effects of rosuvastatin (ASTRONOMER) trial
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Frequently Asked Questions

Rosuvastatin is from a class of drugs known as statins. If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, it is used to lower it. It is also used to prevent heart and blood vessel disease, as well as heart attacks and strokes.

Yes, but only a little. Cholesterol-lowering medications, also known as statins, are designed to reduce an important component of your total blood cholesterol

Apart from Lipitor (atorvastatin), rosuvastatin is the most effective statin for lowering LDL. It differs from simvastatin and many other statins in several ways.

Rosuvastatin reaches peak levels three to five hours after oral administration. However, it may take one to two weeks of consistent dosing before you notice improvements in your cholesterol level, and it may take up to four weeks before you notice the full cholesterol-lowering effects of rosuvastatin.

Muscle pain is the most common side effect of all types of statins, and it can keep people awake at night and unable to sleep.

Rosuvastatin and Vitamin D3 have found to have no interactions between them. This does not mean that no interactions exist between them.

It has not shown an excess gain in weight of the patients taking rosuvastatin.

Results for lowering cholesterol may be seen in 2–4 weeks after starting the cholesterol-lowering medication.


Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.

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