Rosuvastatin

What is rosuvastatin?

Rosuvastatin, available generically and under the brand name Crestor, is a prescription medicine used to lower cholesterol. It belongs to a group of medicines called statins, which reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver[1]. 

What is rosuvastatin used for?

Rosuvastatin is primarily used to[1]: 

• Lower high cholesterol levels (hyperlipidaemia) 

• Prevent heart attacks and strokes in people at high risk 

• Treat inherited conditions such as familial hypercholesterolaemia 

How does rosuvastatin work?

Rosuvastatin blocks an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in cholesterol production. This results in lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, higher ‘good’ HDL cholesterol and reduced triglyceride levels[1]. 

Who can take rosuvastatin?

Rosuvastatin is suitable for adults and children over 6 years old with high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease. It may not be suitable for people who[1]: 

• Have liver, lung, or kidney disease 

• Have ever had a muscle disorder 

• Have an underactive thyroid 

• Drink large amounts of alcohol regularly 

• Have a history of myasthenia gravis or ocular myasthenia 

• Have had problems with muscles when taking other cholesterol lowering medicine in the past 

• Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding 

• Are allergic to rosuvastatin or other statins 

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist about any conditions you may have or medication you take before you start treatment, and always follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[2].

What is the typical dosage of rosuvastatin?

Your dose of rosuvastatin will be based on why you need it, your cholesterol levels, and other medicines you already take. 

The usual dose for adults is[1]: 

• For prevention of heart attacks and strokes – 20mg once a day, although sometimes a lower dose is prescribed. If you have very high cholesterol and are at high risk of heart attacks or strokes, a specialist may prescribe 40mg a day, but this is not always suitable for everyone 

• For high cholesterol – 5mg to 10mg once a day, although your doctor may increase your dose every 4 weeks up to 20mg a day 

Doses may be adjusted depending on response and cholesterol levels. The dose for children will be decided by your child's doctor. The maximum dose is 20mg daily[1].

How do you take rosuvastatin?

Take once a day, at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow tablets whole with water[1]. 

Can you stop taking rosuvastatin?

Do not stop taking it without medical advice as stopping may cause cholesterol levels to rise again, which will increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes. If you experience side effects, your doctor may adjust your dose or suggest a different treatment[1]. 

What do you do if you take too much rosuvastatin?

Taking too much rosuvastatin is unlikely to cause harm. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned or if you have taken more than 1 extra dose[1]. 

What do you do if you forget to take rosuvastatin?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take a double dose[1]. 

What medicines can’t you take with rosuvastatin?

Rosuvastatin may interact with[1]: 

• Ciclosporin for psoraisis and rheumatoid arthritis  

• Blood clot prevention medicine like clopidogrel and warfarin 

• Fibrates (e.g. gemfibrozil) used to lower cholesterol 

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) 

• Indigestion medicines like Gaviscon 

• Antivirals used to treat infections like HIV and hepatitis 

• Antibiotics such as erythromycin and fusidic acid  

• Contraception pills, including the combined pill 

If you're need to take rosuvastatin at the same time as one of these medicines, your doctor may: 

• prescribe you a lower dose of rosuvastatin 

• Prescribe you a different statin 

• recommend that you stop taking rosuvastatin for a certain period 

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements you take before you start a new medicine, and follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[2]. 

What are the side effects of rosuvastatin?

The most common side effects include[1]: 

• Headache 

• Muscle pain 

• Nausea 

• Constipation 

• Dizziness or weakness 

• Stomach pain 

The rare, but more serious, side effects include[1]: 

• Muscle weakness, tenderness or cramps 

• Liver problems (e.g. yellowing of the skin or eyes) 

• Weakness in the arms or legs after activity, double vision, drooping eyelids and difficulty swallowing which may be signs of myasthenia gravis 

You should contact your GP if you experience any of these symptoms. In rare cases, the medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). You should call 999 or visit A&E immediately if you believe this is happening[1]. 

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include[1]:  

• Difficulty breathing  

• Tightness in throat and chest  

• Swelling of the tongue or throat  

• Feeling faint or dizzy  

• Blue/grey skin or lips  

• Loss of consciousness 

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed, you are encouraged to report them via the Yellow Card Scheme or contact your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. 

The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects associated with this medication. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional[2]. 

Frequently asked questions about rosuvastatin

How long does rosuvastatin take to work? 
Your cholesterol will usually start to reduce within a week, but it can take up to a month for the full effect occur. Your doctor should arrange a follow-up cholesterol test within the first 3 months of taking rosuvastatin[1]. 

Can I drink alcohol while taking rosuvastatin? 
Yes, but limit alcohol, as it can increase the risk of liver and muscle side effects[1]. 

Is rosuvastatin safe during pregnancy? 
No. You must stop taking rosuvastatin if you become pregnant[1]. 

Can I take rosuvastatin with food? 
Yes, it can be taken with or without food[1]. 

Will I need to take rosuvastatin for life? 
Often yes, especially if you have long-term risk factors for heart disease[1]. 

Is rosuvastatin better than other statins? 
Rosuvastatin is one of the most potent statins. It is often prescribed when others are not effective and, unlike other statins, you do not need to avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice[1]. 

How does it affect the combine contraceptive pill? 

Rosuvastatin slightly increases the hormones released from the combined contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy. It will not affect how well these medications work, but you may get more side effects. Please speak to your doctor if you are concerned[1]. 

For the official NHS guide to rosuvastatin, visit their website.