Rosuvastatin is used to reduce high cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It works by slowing down atherosclerosis and consequently reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Rosuvastatin is also used in certain patients to reduce the need for medical procedures to open blocked heart vessels. 

 

What is Rosuvastatin?

Rosuvastatin works by reducing the production of certain fatty substances in the body, such as cholesterol. It also increases the levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL).

 

How should Rosuvastatin be taken?

Rovuastatin is administered orally. It is typically taken in combination with an appropriate diet.

 

Side effects associated with Rosuvastatin

Rosuvastatin can cause liver problems or myopathies. It can also affect the blood sugar levels.

Among the other possible side effects of Rosuvastatin include the following:

 

  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Stomach ache
  • Weakness

 

It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:

 

  • Rash
  • Urticaria
  • Itch
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Tightness in the chest or chest pain
  • Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat or tongue
  • Unusual hoarseness
  • Dark or bloody urine
  • Changes in urination frequency
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Memory problems
  • Muscle sensitivity or weakness (with or without fever or fatigue)
  • Redness, swelling, blistering or peeling of the skin
  • Severe or persistent headache
  • Severe or persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Severe stomach pain or back pain (with or without nausea or vomiting)
  • Swelling of the hands, ankles or feet
  • Symptoms of kidney problems
  • Insomnia

 

Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Rosuvastatin

Rosuvastatin may be contraindicated in case of liver problems. It should also not be taken during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

 

Before starting treatment with Rosuvastatin,  it is important to tell your doctor if:

 

  • You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, or to any other drugs, food and various substances
  • You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: colchicine, cyclosporine, daptomycin, fibrates, niacin, dronedarone, eltrombopag, itraconazole, anticoagulants, cimetidine, ketoconazole, sirolimus, tacrolimus, or spironolactone
  • You are suffering (or have suffered) from muscle problems, low blood pressure, severe infection, kidney problems, liver or thyroid disease, diabetes or hyperglycemia, seizures, increased blood levels of CPK, metabolic problems, hormonal problems or electrolyte balance
  • You are suffering from dehydration
  • You have a family history of hereditary muscular problems
  • You are on dialysis
  • You drink alcohol on a regular basis or you have a personal history of alcohol abuse
  • You have recently undergone transplant surgery
  • You are planning on undergoing surgery
  • You participate in a lot of strenuous physical activities
  • You are pregnant or breast-feeding

 

During treatment, it is important to follow an appropriate diet and physical exercise program as prescribed by a doctor. In addition, women of childbearing age should use effective birth control methods.

 

Rosuvastatin may impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect may be aggravated by alcohol and certain other medications.

 

It is important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with rosuvastatin.