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 in the body to make cholesterol. It thus lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL).
Common side effects of rosuvastatin
Headache, Stomach pain, Constipation, Feeling sick, Muscle pain, Weakness, Dizziness, Increased glucose level in blood
Available Medicine for Rosuvastatin
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.
- It also reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- 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 monitor your liver function before starting the treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice signs of liver problem such as yellowing of skin or eyes, unusually dark urine or stomach pains.
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes. 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 or planning to conceive.
Frequently asked questions for Rosuvastatin
Rosuvastatin
Q. What should I know about high cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat present in your blood. Your total cholesterol is made up of LDL and HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is called “bad” cholesterol as it can build up in the wall of your blood vessels and slow or obstruct the blood flow to your heart, brain, and other organs. This can cause heart diseases and stroke. HDL cholesterol is called “good” cholesterol as it prevents the bad cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels. Triglycerides are harmful fats found in your blood.
Q. Can I take Rosuvastatin with grapefruit juice?
Yes, Rosuvastatin can be taken with grapefruit juice. As per the reports, using grapefruit juice with Rosuvastatin does not change the working of Rosuvastatin. There have not been any reports of any harmful effects of using them together.
Q. Why should Rosuvastatin be taken at night?
Rosuvastatin acts by blocking an enzyme which is important for cholesterol synthesis in our body. The activity of this enzyme is more at night time. Therefore, it is advisable to take Rosuvastatin in the evening hours after a meal or just before going to bed to have maximum effect. However, Rosuvastatin being a longer acting statin can be taken at any time of day.
Q. Can I take calcium supplements with Rosuvastatin?
Rosuvastatin should not be taken with calcium supplements as calcium can decrease its absorption, and hence lower the levels of Rosuvastatin in the blood. This can lead to a decrease in the efficacy of Rosuvastatin to lower blood cholesterol levels. To avoid this effect, there should be a gap of at least 2 hours between the two medicines.
Q. Is Rosuvastatin a narcotic substance?
No, Rosuvastatin is not a narcotic substance. It is a prescription medicine and is available on providing a valid prescription by a doctor.