Rosuvastatin

Rosuvastatin is a medicine for controlling cholesterol. Cholesterol is a substance produced by the liver and is important for cell formation. However, an increase in this can cause several problems. Thus, to control the cholesterol level in the blood, you need certain medications such as Rosuvastatin. It controls the cholesterol level and prevents coronary heart disease. 

What are the uses of Rosuvastatin?

Rosuvastatin is used with diet, exercise, and weight loss to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, it minimizes the risk of heart surgery. It is also used to reduce the cholesterol amount, such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), termed as bad cholesterol, and triglycerides, and increase the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol.

How and when to take Rosuvastatin?

Rosuvastatin comes in the form of tablets and capsules to take orally. You can even take a capsule by mixing it with water. You can take it once a day with or without a meal. However, ensure you take medicine every day at the same time. Follow your doctor’s advice and avoid taking excess medicine, thinking you will get better faster.

The doctor will prescribe you a low dosage of Rosuvastatin, which will increase depending on your condition. Do not chew or crush the tablets. Swallow them with water. If you cannot take it with water, open the capsule, pour the medicine content in a tablespoon, add some water, and swallow the entire mixture in one go. Also, do not save the mixture for later use. Lastly, do not stop taking medicine until your medication course is completed and the doctor declares you fit. 

What are the side effects of Rosuvastatin?

Rosuvastatin might cause some side effects. Hence, you must always see a doctor immediately. Some of the common side effects of Rosuvastatin are -

• Abdominal pain
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Depression 
• Joint pain
• Headache
• Memory loss
• Weakness
• Headache

Some of the severe side effects are as follows -

• Muscle problems such as fever, weakness, and unexplained pain
• Liver problems such as a decrease in appetite, abdominal pain, dark-coloured urine, yellow skin, and unusual weakness
• Chest pain
• Flu-like symptoms
• Hives
• Rashes
• Itching
• Hoarseness
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.

What precautions should be taken?

Before taking Rosuvastatin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to the medicine or any ingredients in Rosuvastatin. You can ask your doctor or the pharmacist for the list of active agents in the drug.

Also, tell your doctor if you are on other prescription or nonprescription drugs. This will help your doctor regulate your medicine doses and monitor you properly for any possible side effects. In addition, if you are taking magnesium hydroxide antacids and aluminium, you must take them 2 hours before taking Rosuvastatin. Moreover, tell your doctor if you have any liver condition. They might ask you for a lab test to evaluate your liver and determine whether you should take Rosuvastatin.

You must also tell your doctor about any alcohol or drug addiction, seizures, low blood pressure, kidney or thyroid disease, surgeries, or if you currently have any severe infection or injury. 

What if I missed a dose of Rosuvastatin?

Take a dose when you remember it. However, if the next dosage is after 2-3 hours, it is better to skip the missed dose and continue from the next one. Also, remember not to double the dose, as it won’t do much good. Instead, you might experience some side effects of overdosing. 

What if there is an overdose of Rosuvastatin?

In case of an overdose of Rosuvastatin, seek medical help immediately. If you overdose on Rosuvastatin, you might experience the following -

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Muscle pain and weakness
• Several abdominal pain.

What is the storage condition for Rosuvastatin?

Do not take medicine out of the container. This is because, when exposed, the efficacy of the medicine will be lost. It is better to store at room temperature. Do not store them in the bathroom; keep them away from children’s reach. 

Caution with other medicine

First of all, do not take any other medication with Rosuvastatin without informing your doctor. This might increase the chances of severe side effects. Some medications that might interfere with Rosuvastatin are blood thinners, daptomycin, and gemfibrozil. 

Some medicine might affect the removal of Rosuvastatin from your body. Some of them are -

• Fostamatinib
• Ledipasvir
• Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir/Voxilaprevir, etc. 

Also, avoid taking red yeast rice products with Rosuvastatin as it contains a statin called Lovastatin. Taking these together can increase your risk of muscle and liver problems.

How quickly does Rosuvastatin show results?

Rosuvastatin shows results within a week and reduces cholesterol. Taking medicine as prescribed should reduce your cholesterol level within 4 weeks. 

Comparison of a Rosuvastatin medicine with an Atorvastatin

The following table compares Rosuvastatin and Atorvastatin. Read below to know more -

FAQs

1. What is Rosuvastatin?

Rosuvastatin is a statin medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. It is prescribed to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

2. What conditions does Rosuvastatin treat?

Rosuvastatin is primarily used to treat high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, as well as to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol.

3. How does Rosuvastatin work?

Rosuvastatin works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a key role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. By reducing cholesterol production, it helps lower blood cholesterol levels.

4. What lifestyle changes should I make while taking Rosuvastatin?

Along with taking Rosuvastatin, it is important to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

5. Are there common side effects of Rosuvastatin?

Common side effects may include headache, muscle pain, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, consult your healthcare provider.

References:

​https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/rosuvastatin-vs-atorvastatin-which-is-better https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-76701/rosuvastatin-oral/details
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603033.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/rosuvastatin-oral-tablet#take-as-directed

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.