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
- You have been prescribed Rosuvastatin for the treatment of high cholesterol.
- It decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.
- It should be taken in addition to regular exercise and low-fat diet to lower levels of fat in the blood.
- It should be taken in the evening after dinner and before sleeping.
- In general, Rosuvastatin is safe. However, some people may develop digestive problems like diarrhoea, gas. If any of these happen to you, take it with food.
- Notify your doctor if you experience muscle symptoms (pain or weakness), joint pain, do not feel hungry, or if you have yellow eyes, skin or dark urine after starting the medication.
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 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 also are harmful fats found in your blood.
Q. Can I take Rosuvastatin with grapefruit juice?
Yes, Rosuvastatin can be taken with grapefruit juice. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.
Q. Can I take Rosuvastatin with clopidogrel?
Rosuvastatin can be taken along with clopidogrel. Rosuvastatin does not interfere with the antiplatelet action of clopidogrel. However, a high dose of clopidogrel can increase the Rosuvastatin blood concentration by 2-fold causing more chances of the side effects, so a dose adjustment for Rosuvastatin may be needed.
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, so, 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 Rosuvastatin with pantoprazole?
Yes, Rosuvastatin can be used along with pantoprazole. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.
Q. Is it safe to take Rosuvastatin with gemfibrozil?
Concomitant use of Rosuvastatin with gemfibrozil should be avoided. Gemfibrozil can increase the blood levels of Rosuvastatin and damage your muscles. If you are taking both the drugs, be careful and look for any muscle symptoms. Inform your doctor if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness or dark colored urine.
Q. What is the benefit of taking Rosuvastatin with ezetimibe?
Rosuvastatin, when used with ezetimibe, helps in a better decrease in LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to Rosuvastatin alone and without any increase in side effects. This combination is very beneficial in high-risk cardiovascular disease patients as its use can decrease the risk of atherosclerotic plaque rupture and heart attack. However, ezetimibe can increase the blood levels of Rosuvastatin, so a dose adjustment may be needed when they are used together.
Q. Can I take calcium supplements with Rosuvastatin?
Rosuvastatin should not be taken with calcium supplements as calcium can decrease its absorption and hence lowers the blood levels of Rosuvastatin. This can lead to a decrease in 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's a prescription medicine and is available on providing a valid prescription by a doctor.