Rosuvastatin
Information about Rosuvastatin
Rosuvastatin uses
Rosuvastatin is used in the treatment of high cholesterol.
How rosuvastatin works
Rosuvastatin is a lipid-lowering medication (statin). It works by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA-reductase) that is required by the body to make cholesterol, thereby lowering "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol (HDL).
Common side effects of rosuvastatin
Muscle pain, Weakness, Headache, Abdominal pain
Content Details
Last updated on:
29 Jan 2020 | 11:38 AM (IST)
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Expert advice for Rosuvastatin
- Rosuvastatin treats high cholesterol by lowering "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats). It should be taken in addition to regular exercise and low-fat diet.
- In general, Rosuvastatin is safe. It may cause diarrhea, gas or an upset stomach. If any of these happen to you, take it with food.
- Inform your doctor if you experience fatigue, muscle weakness or muscle pain.
- Your doctor may check your liver function before starting the treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of liver problems such as stomach pains, unusually dark urine or yellowing of skin or eyes.
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes before starting treatment with this medicine. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar level regularly as Rosuvastatin may cause an increase in your blood sugar level.
- Do not take Rosuvastatin if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Rosuvastatin
Rosuvastatin
Q. For how long should I take Rosuvastatin?
You may need to take Rosuvastatin for life or for as long as directed by your doctor. The cholesterol levels will be maintained only till you are taking Rosuvastatin. Stopping Rosuvastatin without starting a different treatment may increase your cholesterol levels again. This medicine has only a few side effects and is usually considered safe if taken as directed by the doctor.
Q. Does Rosuvastatin cause weight gain?
No, there is no evidence of Rosuvastatin causing weight gain. If you are taking Rosuvastatin and gaining weight, consult your doctor. The doctor may get some investigations done to know the reason for the weight gain.
Q. Does Rosuvastatin make you tired?
Yes, Rosuvastatin can make you feel tired. This is because it reduces the energy supply to the muscles in the body. However, the exact reason behind the phenomena is unknown and needs more research. Tiredness usually occurs after exertion. Generalized fatigue is more often seen in people with heart disease or those suffering from liver illness. Rosuvastatin also causes muscle damage which further worsens the tiredness and so you must consult your doctor if you feel tired while taking Rosuvastatin.
Q. Should Rosuvastatin be taken at night?
Rosuvastatin should be taken once a day. It can be taken in the morning or at night or any time of the day, with or without food. Try taking this medicine at the same time every day. Doing this will help you remember to take it daily.
Q. What foods should be avoided when taking Rosuvastatin?
Rosuvastatin is used to decrease your blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, to seek the best results of this medicine, you should avoid foods which are high in calories like fried food and junk food. It is recommended to eat a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all the exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietician.
Q. How do I know whether Rosulex is beneficial for me or not?
All medicines have side effects, but the benefits of Rosuvastatin in reducing cholesterol levels and the risk of heart attack and stroke are proven by a large number of studies. However, if you do have any concerns, then discuss it with your doctor. Your doctor will consider and explain to you the benefits of taking Rosuvastatin versus the risks of not taking it at all.
Q. Can Rosuvastatin cause memory loss?
Rosuvastatin may cause memory loss in very rare cases. This is generally non-serious and may occur within 1 day of taking this medicine or may take years to appear. These symptoms may disappear within about 3 weeks of discontinuing Rosuvastatin. However, you should consult your doctor if you experience this side effect as it could be due to some other reason.
Q. Is it true that Rosuvastatin can cause diabetes?
If you are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, taking Rosuvastatin may slightly increase this risk. This is because Rosuvastatin has the potential to cause a slight increase in your blood sugar levels. If you already have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may advise you to keep monitoring your blood sugar levels closely for the first few months. Tell your doctor if you find it harder to control your blood sugar.
Q. Can I take alcohol with Rosuvastatin?
No. It is not advised to take alcohol with Rosuvastatin. This is because the risk of developing liver problems increases if you drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Moreover, there is a significant increase in the triglyceride levels if Rosuvastatin is taken along with alcohol. This can further lead to liver damage and also worsen some of the side effects such as muscle pain, muscle weakness and tenderness. People with liver problems are therefore advised, not to take Rosuvastatin without consulting your doctor and also refrain from taking alcohol while taking this medicine to get maximum benefit.
Q. Can Rosuvastatin cause muscle problems or muscle injury?
Yes. Taking Rosuvastatin can cause muscle problems or muscle injury. This is because of the reduced oxygen supply to the muscle cells which leads to fatigue, muscle pain, tenderness or muscle weakness. The soreness may be significant enough to interfere with your daily activities. Do not take it lightly and consult your doctor to know about ways to prevent this and to avoid making it worse.