Rosuvastatin (By mouth)
roe-soo-va-STAT-in
Treats high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. May reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and related health conditions. This medicine is a statin.
Drug classes
Antihyperlipidemic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Rosuvastatin is used together with a proper diet to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (fats) in the blood. This medicine may help prevent or slow down medical problems, like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), that are caused by fats clogging the blood vessels. It may also be used to prevent certain types of heart and blood vessel problems in patients with risk factors for heart problems.
Rosuvastatin belongs to a group of medicines called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins. It works by blocking an enzyme that is needed by the body to make cholesterol, so this reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Do not take 2 doses within 12 hours.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how rosuvastatin works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
A blood thinner, such as warfarin Cimetidine Cyclosporine Medicine to treat an infection, such as erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, atazanavir/ritonavir, or lopinavir/ritonavir Niacin (Vitamin B3) SpironolactoneIf you need to take an antacid that contains aluminum and magnesium, take the antacid at least 2 hours after you take rosuvastatin.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to rosuvastatin, you have active liver disease, or you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, diabetes, an underactive thyroid, a history of liver disease, or muscle pain or weakness. Tell your doctor if you usually have more than 2 drinks of alcohol per day.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Change in how much or how often you urinate, cloudy urine, painful urination
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Unusual tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Crestor
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
