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. It thus lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL).
Common side effects of rosuvastatin
Muscle pain, Weakness, Nausea, Headache, Abdominal pain
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Last updated on:
16 Oct 2019 | 01:31 PM (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 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. Does Rosuvastatin cause weight gain?
No, there is no evidence that Rosuvastatin causes 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. Most commonly, it is due to muscle injury. In some patients tiredness may be accompanied by other symptoms like loss of appetite, upper belly pain, yellowing of skin, etc. This may be due to liver problems. Therefore, consult your doctor if tiredness persists.
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 benefits can be felt only for as long as you take it. 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. Should Rosuvastatin be taken at night?
Rosuvastatin is taken once a day. It can be taken in the morning or 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 chips, burgers, fried food, etc. Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all the exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietician.
Q. I am still not sure whether I should take Rosuvastatin or not. What should I do?
All medicines have side effects, but the benefits of Rosuvastatin in reducing cardiovascular risk 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?
Memory loss may occur with Rosuvastatin in very rare cases. This is generally non-serious and may occur as early as 1 day 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.