Rosuvastatin: Statin Uses, Side Effects & Dosage (original) (raw)
- Uses
- Side Effects
- Dosage
- Drug Interactions
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- What Else to Know
- Comments
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Generic Name: rosuvastatin
Brand Name: Crestor
Drug Class: HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, Lipid-Lowering Agents, Statins
What is rosuvastatin, and what is it used for?
Rosuvastatin is an oral drug for lowering blood cholesterol levels. Rosuvastatin is used for the reduction of blood total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, and to increase HDL cholesterol levels.
Rosuvastatin also is used for reducing the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and arterial revascularization procedures in patients without clinically evident coronary heart disease but with multiple risk factors for heart disease.
It belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, more commonly referred to as "statins." Other drugs in this class include
- simvastatin (Zocor),
- lovastatin (Mevacor),
- pravastatin (Pravachol),
- atorvastatin (Lipitor) and
- fluvastatin (Lescol).
These drugs reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that produces cholesterol in the liver. Rosuvastatin and other statins lower blood total cholesterol as well as blood LDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is the "bad" type of cholesterol that increases the risk of coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis) and heart attacks. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels slows the progression of coronary artery disease and may even reverse it. Statins also increase HDL cholesterol, the "good" type of cholesterol, and reduce triglycerides.
Scientists have discovered that in addition to atherosclerosis, inflammation of the coronary arteries may also contribute to the development of heart attacks. The presence of inflammation can be determined by measuring a chemical in the blood called highly sensitive, C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP). Moreover, Hs-CRP can be used to predict the occurrence of heart attacks, strokes and death. Hs-CRP is, in fact, a better predictor of the risk for heart attacks than LDL cholesterol.
Scientists have found that statins reduce the level of Hs-CRP in the body, presumably by reducing inflammation in the coronary arteries, and this may be another mechanism through which statins prevent heart attacks, strokes, and death. More research needs to be conducted, however, to confirm the importance of inflammation and the mechanisms through which statins work.
Rosuvastatin was approved by the FDA in August 2003.
What are the side effects of rosuvastatin?
The most common side effects of rosuvastatin are:
Other important side effects include:
- post-marketing reports of memory loss,
- forgetfulness,
- amnesia,
- confusion, and
- memory impairment.
Symptoms may start one day to years after starting treatment and resolve within a median of three weeks after stopping the statin.
What is the dosage for rosuvastatin?
- The starting dose for most adults is 5 mg once daily.
- The maximum dose is 40 mg daily, and this dose should be reserved for patients who do not adequately respond to a 20 mg dose.
Which drugs or supplements interact with rosuvastatin?
- When administered with cyclosporine, the blood level of rosuvastatin increases seven fold, and this could increase the side effects of rosuvastatin.
- Rosuvastatin increases the action of the blood thinner warfarin and could increase the risk of bleeding from warfarin.
- Antacids reduce the absorption of rosuvastatin and should be administered two hours after rosuvastatin.
- The use of rosuvastatin with nicotinic acid, gemfibrozil (Lopid), or other drugs that may cause liver or muscle injury may increase the incidence of the muscle injury.
SLIDESHOW How to Lower Your Cholesterol & Save Your Heart See Slideshow
Is rosuvastatin safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Statins should not be used by pregnant women because there is a high risk of harm to the fetus.
- There is no information on whether rosuvastatin is excreted in human milk.
What else should I know about rosuvastatin?
Do I need a prescription for rosuvastatin?
- Yes
What preparations of rosuvastatin are available?
- Tablets: 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg
How should I keep rosuvastatin stored?
- Rosuvastatin should be stored at room temperature between 2 C - 25 C (36 F - 77 F).
Health News
Summary
Rosuvastatin is a drug belonging to the drug class of statins. Rosuvastatin is prescribed to reduce total blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Rosuvastatin is also prescribed for reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and arterial revascularization procedures in individuals without clinical heart disease. The most common side effects of rosuvastatin are headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pain. Do not take if you are pregnant.
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Cholesterol Management: Lower, Treat, and Prevent High Cholesterol Cholesterol management may include lifestyle interventions (diet and exercise) as well as medications to get your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides in an optimal range. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Managing and getting your HDL and LDL cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels within normal ranges will lower risk, improve overall health, and help protect your heart and blood vessels. -
Stroke Symptoms and Treatment A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to part of the brain caused by either a blood clot (ischemic) or bleeding (hemorrhagic). Symptoms of a stroke may include weakness, numbness, double vision or vision loss, confusion, vertigo, difficulty speaking, or understanding speech. A physical exam, imaging tests, neurological exam, and blood tests may be used to diagnose a stroke. -
Heart Attack A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when the sudden blockage of a coronary artery, usually because of blood clot, causes damage and death to heart muscle. Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest discomfort often described as a pain, pressure or tightness associated with shortness of breath, sweating and nausea. -
Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) Heart disease (coronary artery disease) occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply blood to the heart. Heart disease can lead to heart attack. Treatment of heart disease involves control of heart disease risk factors through lifestyle changes, medications, and/or stenting or bypass surgery. Heart disease can be prevented by controlling heart disease risk factors. -
Fatty Liver Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or NASH occurs due to the accumulation of abnormal amounts of fat within the liver. Fatty liver most likely caused by obesity and diabetes. Symptoms of fatty liver disease are primarily the complications of cirrhosis of the liver; and may include mental changes, liver cancer, the accumulation of fluid in the body (ascites, edema), and gastrointestinal bleeding. Treatment for fatty liver includes avoiding certain foods and alcohol. Exercise, weight loss, bariatric surgery, and liver transplantation are treatments for fatty liver disease. -
What Is the Best Alternative to Statins? Statins are a group of medications that lower a specific type of cholesterol level in your blood. The best alternatives to statins are PCSK9 inhibitors, fibric acid derivatives or fibrates, bile acid sequestrants, selective absorption inhibitors, nicotinic acid or niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids and fatty-acid esters. -
Rhabdomyolysis Rhabdomyolysis describes the condition where skeletal muscle cells break down and the cell contents spill into the bloodstream. It can cause problems with electrolyte abnormalities, dehydration, acid-base balance of the body, heart rhythm disturbances, and kidney damage. -
What Does a Statin Actually Do? What are statins? Find out how these cholesterol-lowering medications work, as well as what side effects they may cause.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
References
Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information