Rosuvastatin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What medicine is Rosuvastatin?

What is Rosuvastatin for?

Rosuvastatin is a drug that is used with the diet to lower cholesterol and bad fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and increase good cholesterol in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs called "statins". The way it works is by reducing the amount of cholesterol the liver produces. Lowering bad cholesterol and triglycerides and increasing the amount of good cholesterol will lower the risk of heart disease as well as help prevent strokes and heart attacks.

Apart from having a good diet (such as a low cholesterol and low fat diet), several lifestyle changes can also help this drug work better, including by exercising, losing excess weight, and quitting smoking. Talk to your doctor for details.

How is Rosuvastatin used?

Read the information leaflets if available at the pharmacy before you use rosuvastatin and each time you repurchase it. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is taken by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once a day.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, race, and other drugs that you are taking. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription and nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). For Asians, doctors will usually start with a lower dose because we are more sensitive to the effects of this drug.

Antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium can reduce the absorption of this drug. Therefore, if you are taking this type of antacid, take it at least 2 hours after this medicine.

Take this medicine regularly to get optimal benefits. Don't forget to drink it at the same time every day. It is important to continue taking this medicine even if you feel better. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides don't feel pain.

It is important to follow your doctor's advice about exercise and diet. It may take 4 weeks before you feel the results of this medicine.

How is Rosuvastatin stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Rosuvastatin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Rosuvastatin for adults?

Adult Dose for Hyperlipoproteinemia:

Initial dose: 5 mg - 10 mg once a day, with or without food

Furthermore: 5 mg - 40 mg once a day, with or without food

Adult Dose for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa (high LDL):

Initial dose: 5 mg - 10 mg once a day, with or without food

Furthermore: 5 mg - 40 mg once a day, with or without food

Adult Dose for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIb (high LDL + VLDL):

Initial dose: 5 mg - 10 mg once a day, with or without food

Furthermore: 5 mg - 40 mg once a day, with or without food

Adult Dose for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IV (high VLDL):

Initial dose: 5 mg - 10 mg once a day, with or without food

Furthermore: 5 mg - 40 mg once a day, with or without food

Adult Dose for Atherosclerosis:

Initial dose: 5 mg - 10 mg once a day, with or without food

Furthermore: 5 mg - 40 mg once a day, with or without food

Adult Dose for Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia:

Initial dose: 20 mg once a day, with or without food

Furthermore: 20 mg - 40 mg once a day, with or without food

Adult Dose for Heart Disease Prevention:

Initial dose: 5 mg - 10 mg once a day, with or without food

Furthermore: 5 mg - 40 mg once a day, with or without food

Response to treatment should be estimated by the preapheresis LDL-C level.

Elderly Dose for Hyperlipidemia:

Initial dose: 5 mg once a day, with or without food

Furthermore: 5 mg - 20 mg once a day, with or without food

What is the dosage of Rosuvastatin for children?

Pediatric patients aged 10-17:

Normal dosage: 5 - 20 mg orally once a day, with or without food. The dosage must be adjusted according to the goal of treatment.

Maximum dose: 20 mg orally once a day.

In what dosage is Rosuvastatin available?

5 mg tablet; 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg

Rosuvastatin side effects

What side effects can I experience due to Rosuvastatin?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking rosuvastatin and call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following signs of serious side effects:

• unexplained muscle pain, muscle weakness;
• confusion, memory problems;
• fever, unusual tiredness, dark urine;
• swelling, weight gain, urination rarely or not at all;
• increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss; or
• nausea, upper abdominal pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Less serious side effects include:

• headache, depression;
• mild muscle pain;
• pain alone;
• sleep problems (insomnia), nightmares;
• constipation;
• mild nausea; or
• upset stomach or digestive problems.

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Rosuvastatin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Rosuvastatin?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Pediatrics

Research conducted to date has not shown any problems that can hinder the effectiveness of rosuvastatin in children. However, the safety and effectiveness of this drug for children younger than 10 years has not been determined.

Elderly

The studies conducted to date have not shown any problems specific to the elderly that could hinder the effectiveness of rosuvastatin in elderly patients. However, older patients are more likely to suffer from age-related muscle problems, so care should be taken when taking rosuvastatin.

Is Rosuvastatin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category X according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Rosuvastatin Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Rosuvastatin?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Atazanavir
• Cobicistat
• Cyclosporine
• Daclatasvir
• Daptomycin
• Erlotinib
• Eslicarbazepine Acetate
• Fenofibrate
• Fenofibric Acid
• Fosamprenavir
• Gemfibrozil
• Indinavir
• Ledipasvir
• Lopinavir
• Niacin
• Saquinavir
• Simeprevir
• Teriflunomide

Taking this medication with the drugs below may increase your risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Acenocoumarol
• Amiodarone
• Desogestrel
• Dicumarol
• Dienogest
• Drospirenone
• Eltrombopag
• Estradiol Cypionate
• Estradiol Valerate
• Ethinyl Estradiol
• Ethynodiol Diacetate
• Etonogestrel
• Fluconazole
• Itraconazole
• Levonorgestrel
• Medroxyprogesterone Acetate
• Mestranol
• Norelgestromin
• Norethindrone
• Norgestimate
• Norgestrel
• Oat Bran
• Pectin
• Phenprocoumon
• Tipranavir
• Warfarin

Can food or alcohol interact with Rosuvastatin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Rosuvastatin?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• History of alcohol abuse, or
• History of liver disease - Use with caution. Can make side effects worse.
• Asian descent - May need a lower dose.
• Uncontrolled convulsions, or
• Dehydration, or
• Severe hydraulic deficiency or abnormality, or
• Severe endocrine disorders, or
• Hypotension (low blood pressure), or
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) that is not treated properly, or
• Severe kidney disease, or
• Recent major trauma or surgery, or
• Severe metabolic enzyme deficiency or abnormality,
• Sepsis (severe infection) - Patients with this condition may be at risk for muscle or kidney problems.
• Diabetes - Use with caution. Can make conditions worse.
• Active liver disease, or
• High liver enzymes - Do not take them by patients with this condition.

Rosuvastatin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.