Rosuvastatin Medication Profile: Side Effects, Dosing, and More
1. Names of Medication
US Brand Name: Crestor ({Rosuvastatin})
Pharmacologic Category
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins) Other medications in the same pharmacologic category: Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Pravastatin, Lovastatin, Fluvastatin, and Pitavastatin.
3. Dosing
Remember to never adjust the dose of medication without speaking with your doctor first.
Primary hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol): Initial dose of 5-10 mg orally once daily, with a maximum dose of 40 mg daily.
Mixed dyslipidemia: Initial dose of 5-10 mg orally once daily, with a maximum dose of 40 mg daily.
Familial hypercholesterolemia: Initial dose of 5-20 mg orally once daily, with a maximum dose of 40 mg daily.
Prevention of cardiovascular disease: Initial dose of 5-10 mg orally once daily, with a maximum dose of 40 mg daily.
Atherosclerosis: Initial dose of 5-10 mg orally once daily, with a maximum dose of 40 mg daily.
Coronary artery disease: Initial dose of 5-10 mg orally once daily, with a maximum dose of 40 mg daily.
Ischemic stroke prevention: Initial dose of 5-10 mg orally once daily, with a maximum dose of 40 mg daily.
Peripheral artery disease: Initial dose of 5-10 mg orally once daily, with a maximum dose of 40 mg daily.
4. Dosage Forms and Strengths
Oral tablet: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg
5. Administration Instructions
Take Rosuvastatin at the same time each day, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or split.
6. Adverse Reactions and Side Effects
Myalgia (muscle pain) (common): Aching or discomfort in the muscles. Rosuvastatin may cause muscle pain due to its effect on the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a role in muscle energy production. The inhibition of this enzyme may lead to muscle inflammation and discomfort.
Headache (common): A painful sensation in the head. Rosuvastatin may cause headaches by affecting blood flow in the brain or by causing changes in the blood vessels that supply the brain.
Diarrhea (common): Frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements. Rosuvastatin may cause diarrhea by altering the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to increased gastrointestinal motility and loose stools.
Nausea (less common): Feeling of sickness or urge to vomit. Rosuvastatin may cause nausea by affecting the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the activation of the vomiting center in the brain.
Liver enzyme elevations (less common): Increase in liver enzyme levels, indicating potential liver damage. Rosuvastatin, like other statins, may cause liver enzyme elevations by stressing the liver and leading to inflammation and potential damage.
Rhabdomyolysis (rare): A severe, life-threatening muscle condition. Rosuvastatin may cause rhabdomyolysis by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, leading to muscle cell breakdown and the release of a protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can damage the kidneys.
7. Contraindications to Taking Rosuvastatin
A contraindication is a situation in which a medication should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient.
Liver disease: Patients with active liver disease should not take Rosuvastatin due to the risk of further liver damage. The medication is metabolized in the liver, which can stress an already compromised organ and potentially worsen the condition.
Hypersensitivity: Patients who have had an allergic reaction to Rosuvastatin or any of its ingredients should avoid the medication to prevent further allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Pregnancy: Rosuvastatin is contraindicated in pregnant women due to the potential risk of harm to the developing fetus. Statins, including Rosuvastatin, can interfere with cholesterol production, which is essential for fetal development.
Breastfeeding: Rosuvastatin is contraindicated in breastfeeding women because it is not known whether the medication is excreted in human breast milk and could potentially harm the nursing infant.
8. Drug-to-Drug Interactions
Some medications that have significant drug-to-drug interactions with Rosuvastatin include:
Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune): Increased risk of muscle damage.
Gemfibrozil (Lopid): Increased risk of muscle damage.
Anticoagulants, such as Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven): Increased risk of bleeding.
Certain HIV protease inhibitors, such as Atazanavir (Reyataz) and Ritonavir (Norvir): Increased risk of muscle damage.
9. Rosuvastatin in Pregnancy
Rosuvastatin is not considered safe to take during pregnancy. Statins, including Rosuvastatin, can interfere with cholesterol production, which is essential for fetal development. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider for alternative treatment options.
10. Rosuvastatin while Breastfeeding
It is not known whether Rosuvastatin is excreted in human breast milk. Due to the potential for adverse effects on the nursing infant, Rosuvastatin is not recommended for use while breastfeeding. Nursing mothers should discuss alternative treatment options with their healthcare provider.
11. Estimated Cost of Medication
The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Rosuvastatin, assuming the patient does not have insurance and is utilizing a GoodRx coupon, is approximately $10-$25. Keep in mind that these prices are only estimates and may vary depending on the pharmacy, location, and negotiated agreements between pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies.
Brief Legal Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.