Generic name: rosuvastatin (roe SOO va sta tin)
Brand name: Crestor, Ezallor Sprinkle
Dosage forms: oral capsule (10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg; 5 mg); oral tablet (10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Statins
Rosuvastatin is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).
Rosuvastatin is also used to treat hereditary types of high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia): The heterozygous type (inherited from one parent) or the homozygous type (inherited from both parents).
For the heterozygous type, rosuvastatin can be used in children who are at least 8 years old. For the homozygous type, rosuvastatin can be used in children as young as 7 years old.
The Ezallor brand of rosuvastatin is for use only in adults.
Crestor is also used in adults to slow the progression of atherosclerosis (a build-up of plaque in blood vessels that can block blood flow).
Crestor is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other complications in men 50 years and older or women 60 years and older who have coronary heart disease or other risk factors.
Rosuvastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Do not use rosuvastatin if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
You should not take rosuvastatin if you have liver disease, or if you breastfeeding a baby.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take rosuvastatin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- liver disease; or
- if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Do not take rosuvastatin if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking rosuvastatin. Stop taking rosuvastatin and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while you are taking rosuvastatin.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver problems;
- kidney disease;
- a thyroid disorder;
- a habit of drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day;
- if you are of Asian descent; or
- if you are 65 or older.
Rosuvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in women, in older adults, or people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
People of Asian descent may absorb rosuvastatin at a higher rate than other people. Make sure your doctor knows if you are Asian. You may need a lower than normal starting dose.
How should I take rosuvastatin?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Rosuvastatin is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.
While using rosuvastatin, you may need frequent blood tests.
Keep using rosuvastatin as directed, even if you feel well. High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. You may need to take rosuvastatin on a long-term basis.
You may need to stop using rosuvastatin for a short time if you have:
- uncontrolled seizures;
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood);
- severely low blood pressure;
- a severe infection or illness;
- dehydration; or
- surgery or a medical emergency.
You should not stop using rosuvastatin unless your doctor tells you to.
Rosuvastatin is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 12 hours late for the dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking rosuvastatin?
Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or rosuvastatin will not be as effective.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.
Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb rosuvastatin. Avoid taking an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours after taking rosuvastatin.
Rosuvastatin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
- muscle weakness in your hips, shoulders, neck, and back;
- trouble lifting your arms, trouble climbing or standing;
- confusion, memory problems; or
- liver problems--upper stomach pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects may include:
- headache;
- weakness;
- muscle aches; or
- nausea, stomach pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect rosuvastatin?
When you start or stop taking rosuvastatin, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of any other medicines you take on a regular basis. Using certain medicines together with rosuvastatin can increase your risk of serious muscle problems. It is very important to tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with rosuvastatin, especially:
- colchicine;
- cyclosporine;
- antifungal medicine--fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole;
- antiviral medicine to treat HIV or hepatitis C--atazanavir, fosamprenavir, ledipasvir, lopinavir, ritonavir, simeprevir, sofosbuvir, tipranavir, Epclusa, Mavyret, Viekira, Vosevi, and others;
- a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;
- cancer medicine--darolutamide, regorafenib;
- medicines that contain niacin or nicotinic acid--vitamin B3, Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo-Niacin, and others; or
- other cholesterol medications--fenofibrate, gemfibrozil.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect rosuvastatin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.