ROSUVASTATIN
Background and Date of Approval
Rosuvastatin received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 13, 2003, for the treatment of cardiovascular conditions and management of high cholesterol. It belongs to the statin class of medications, which are used to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Uses
Rosuvastatin treats high cholesterol and prevents heart attacks and strokes. It is advised to take a low-cholesterol diet and exercise regularly while taking this medication.
How is it administered?
Take the Rosuvastatin tablet as your physician advises. Take medicine at the same time. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Rosuvastatin are headache, stomach ache, sickness, muscle pain, constipation, dizziness, and weakness. Serious side effects while taking Rosuvastatin are severe allergic reactions (rashes, blisters, and itching on the skin), swelling on the face, lips, tongue, and throat, breathing difficulty, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals, and eyes).
Warnings
Do not consume this medicine if you are allergic to Rosuvastatin or itâs other ingredients. Inform your physician if you have kidney or liver problems, severe respiratory failure, thyroid problems, continuous muscle pain, or if you are drinking heavy amounts of alcohol regularly before starting treatment with Rosuvastatin, and do not take it unless prescribed by your doctor. Before starting treatment with this tablet, inform your doctor if you are taking fusidic acid or have taken it in the last seven days to treat the bacterial infection.
Precautions
Inform your doctor before starting treatment with this medication about any anti-viral medications (including medications for HIV or hepatitis C infection) you are taking. This medication contains lactose; inform your doctor if you are lactose intolerant before starting treatment. Do not consume Rosuvastatin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding.
Word of Advice
Patients with liver or kidney disease should use Rosuvastatin with caution and inform their doctor of all underlying medical conditions. Do not discontinue the medicine without your doctor's advice. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Contact your doctor for further information. Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets. Do not freeze the medicine. Do not store above 30°C. Always check the expiry date before use.
References
AstraZeneca UK Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on July 2022] [Accessed on 30th May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6779.pdf Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on October 2021] [Accessed on 30th May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9971.pdf Zentiva Pharma UK Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on June 2022] [Accessed on 30th May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8870.pdf Holly E. Gurgle and Donald K. Blumenthal, Drug Therapy for Dyslipidemias, Statin Drug Therapy, Goodman & Gilmanâs Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, 2018, 905-909
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rosuvastatin safe to use during pregnancy?
No, Rosuvastatin is not safe to use during pregnancy. Do not consume Rosuvastatin if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, as it is highly unsafe to use while pregnant. Contact your doctor instant if you get pregnant while using this medication. While using this medication, pregnancy is to be prevented using appropriate contraceptive methods.
What are the side effects of Rosuvastatin?
Some serious side effects of Rosuvastatin are severe allergic reactions (rashes, blisters, and itching on the skin), swelling on the face, lips, tongue, and throat, breathing difficulty, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals, and eyes). Common side effects are headache, stomach ache, sickness, muscle pain, constipation, dizziness, and weakness.
Can I take Rosuvastatin while breastfeeding?
No, Rosuvastatin is not to be taken by breastfeeding women, as it is highly unsafe.
I am lactose intolerant. Can I take Rosuvastatin?
Do not take it if lactose intolerant, as Rosuvastatin contains lactose.
I have a thyroid problem. Can I take Rosuvastatin?
Notify your doctor if you have thyroid problems before starting treatment with Rosuvastatin. Do not consume this medication unless your doctor prescribes it.
I missed my regular dose of Rosuvastatin. What should I do?
If you forget your normal dose of Rosuvastatin, then take your dose at the next scheduled time. Do not double-dose the tablet to compensate for the missed dose.