1. Rosuvastatin oral tablet is available as a brand-name drug and a generic drug. Brand name: Crestor.
  2. You can take a rosuvastatin by mouth.
  3. High cholesterol is treated with rosuvastatin, a drug that is passed down through families. It is also used to prevent heart disease.

  • Severe muscle problems warning: This medication can cause severe muscle problems. These include myopathy, with symptoms such as There is pain in the muscles., tenderness, or weakness. Myopathy can lead to rhabdomyolysis. With this condition, muscle breaks down and can cause kidney damage and even death. If you notice unusual pain or weakness in your muscles, especially if you feel more tired than usual or have a There is a high degree of fever., call your doctor right away. Your doctor may decide to stop your treatment with this medication. Call your doctor right away if muscle problems last after your doctor has told you to stop taking this drug.
  • Liver problems warning: This drug can increase levels of your liver enzymes. Increased liver enzymes can be a sign of liver damage. Your doctor may check these levels to make sure that this drug is not harming your liver.

The drug is a prescription drug. It is a pill you take by mouth.

Rosuvastatin is available as the brand-name drug Crestor. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name drug.

This drug can be used in combination therapy. You may need to take it with other drugs.

Why it’s used

Rosuvastatin is used to reduce your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase your HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It also reduces your triglyceride level (fats in your blood). Improving your cholesterol levels helps prevent blockages from forming in your arteries. These blockages can cause serious problems, including heart attack or stroke.

How it works

Rosuvastatin belongs to a class of drugs called statins. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

rosuvastatin works by blocking cholesterol making enzymes in the body. This lowers your cholesterol levels. It raises your levels of good cholesterol.

The side effects of rosuvastatin are not drowsiness or other effects.

More common side effects

There are more common side effects with rosuvastatin.

  • There is a throbbing head.
  • There is pain in the abdomen.
  • There is pain in the muscles.
  • nausea
  • weakness

If the effects are mild, they may go away in a few days or weeks. If they are more severe, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

If you have serious side effects, call your doctor. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call the emergency room. There are serious side effects and their symptoms.

  • Severe muscle problems. Symptoms can include:
    • unexplained or unusual There is pain in the muscles.
    • weakness
    • There is a high degree of fever.
  • Liver problems. Symptoms can include:
    • Unusual weakness or unexplained weakness.
    • The amount of appetite is decreased.
    • There is pain in the abdomen.
    • Dark urine.
    • The skin or eyes are discolored.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.

You can interact with other drugs with the rosuvastatin oral tablet. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can cause the drug to work differently.

Your doctor should keep a close eye on your medications. Tell your doctor about all your medication and supplements. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how this drug might interact with other drugs.

There are drugs that can cause interactions with rosuvastatin.

Acid-reducing drugs

When taken with rosuvastatin, certain antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium can decrease the amount of rosuvastatin in your blood. This makes it less effective, and it won’t work as well to treat your condition. These drugs should be taken at least 2 hours after taking rosuvastatin. Examples of these drugs include:

  • aluminum hydroxide is used in making some products.
  • The magnesium hydroxide is a chemical.

Blood thinner

Warfarin is used to thin the blood. Taking this drug with rosuvastatin can increase your international normalized ratio (INR). This is a measure of how quickly your blood clots. Your INR may need to be measured more often when you start taking rosuvastatin or if your doctor changes your dosage.

Cholesterol drugs

When taken with rosuvastatin, some other drugs used to treat high cholesterol can increase the levels of rosuvastatin in your blood. This raises your risk of muscle problems. Before taking these drugs, make sure your doctor knows that you take rosuvastatin. Examples of these drugs include:

HIV drugs

When taken with rosuvastatin, certain drugs used to treat HIV can increase levels of rosuvastatin in your body. This raises your risk of side effects from rosuvastatin. These side effects include muscle problems such as There is pain in the muscles., weakness, or tenderness.

The drugs include protease inhibitors.

  • Atazana is a drug.
  • lopinavir is a drug.
  • nelfinavir
  • ritonavir is a word.

Hepatitis C drugs

When taken with rosuvastatin, certain drugs used to treat hepatitis C can increase levels of rosuvastatin in your body. This raises your risk of side effects from rosuvastatin. These side effects include muscle problems such as There is pain in the muscles., weakness, or tenderness.

The drugs include protease inhibitors.

  • elbasvir/grazoprevir

Immune suppression drug

Cyclosporine is used to decrease the strength of the immune system. Using this drug with rosuvastatin can increase levels of rosuvastatin in your body. This raises your risk of side effects from rosuvastatin. These side effects include muscle problems such as There is pain in the muscles., weakness, or tenderness.

Gout drug

Colchicine is used to treat gout flares. Using this drug with rosuvastatin can increase your risk of side effects such as There is pain in the muscles. and rhabdomyolysis.

Cancer drugs

Darolutamide is used to treat prostate cancer. Using this drug with rosuvastatin can increase the levels of rosuvastatin in your body. This raises your risk of side effects from rosuvastatin. These side effects include muscle problems such as There is pain in the muscles., weakness, or tenderness.

Regorafenib is used to treat cancer of the colon and rectum. Using this drug with rosuvastatin can increase the levels of rosuvastatin in your body. This raises your risk of side effects from rosuvastatin. These side effects include muscle problems such as There is pain in the muscles., weakness, or tenderness.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare professional about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

This drug has several warnings.

Allergy warning

This drug can cause a reaction. Symptoms can include:

  • There is a rash.
  • There are bees.
  • Your face, mouth, and tongue are swollen.
  • breathing problems

If you develop these symptoms, you should go to the emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Alcohol interaction warning

The risk of having problems with the liver from rosuvastatin can be increased by the use of drinks that contain alcohol. If you drink more than two glasses of alcohol a day, tell your doctor. If you have a history of problems with the liver, you should talk to your doctor.

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with liver problems: You are at higher risk of severe muscle problems from taking this drug. Talk with your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you.

For people with kidney problems: You are at higher risk of severe muscle problems from taking this drug. Talk with your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you.

Warnings for other groups

For people of Asian descent: You are at higher risk of side effects from this drug due to increased levels of rosuvastatin in your blood. Your doctor may start you at a lower dosage.

For pregnant people: In July 2021, the FDA requested that statins no longer be labeled as contraindicated (never used) during pregnancy. The FDA recommends that most people discontinue statins when they become pregnant, but the person should weigh their options with their doctor. The FDA has also requested that manufacturers update their package inserts to reflect the change. As of now, there is no deadline by which all manufacturers must update their package inserts.

If you become pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor.

For people who are nursing: This drug can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is nursed. You should not nurse your child while taking this drug. Talk with your doctor if you nurse your child. You will need to decide whether to stop nursing or stop taking this medication.

For seniors: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects from this drug. Your doctor will monitor you closely for side effects while you take this drug.

For children: For most conditions, this medication should not be used in people younger than 18 years. It can be used in children ages 8–17 years to treat heterozygous high cholesterol. It can also be used in children ages 7–17 years to treat homozygous high cholesterol.

Drug forms and dosages may not be included here. How often you take the drug will depend on:

  • Your age.
  • The condition is being treated.
  • How bad is your condition?
  • You have other medical conditions.
  • How do you react to the first dose?

Drug forms and strengths

Generic: Rosuvastatin

  • Form: oral tablet
  • Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg

Brand: Crestor

  • Form: oral tablet
  • Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg

Dosage for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), hypertriglyceridemia, and type III hyperlipoproteinemia

The adult dosage is 18 to 64 years old.

  • Typical dosage: 5–40 mg once daily.

The child dosage is 0 to 17 years old.

This medication has not been studied in children. It should not be used in people younger than 18.

The senior dosage is 65 years old.

Older adults may not be able to use their kidneys as effectively as they used to. Your body can process drugs more slowly if this is the case. A higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases the risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you with a lower dose or a different schedule. This can help keep the drug out of your body.

Dosage for heterozygous high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)

The adult dosage is 18 to 64 years old.

  • Typical dosage: 5–40 mg once daily.

The child dosage is 10 to 17 years old.

  • Typical dosage: 5–20 mg once daily.

The child dosage is 8 to 9 years old.

  • 5–10mg once daily is the typical dosage.

The child dosage is 0 to 7 years old.

This medication has not been studied in young children. It should not be used in children younger than 8 years old.

The senior dosage is 65 years old.

Older adults may not be able to use their kidneys as effectively as they used to. Your body can process drugs more slowly if this is the case. A higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases the risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you with a lower dose or a different schedule. This can help keep the drug out of your body.

Dosage for homozygous high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)

The adult dosage is 18 to 64 years old.

  • Typical starting dosage: 20 mg once daily.

The child dosage is 7 to 17 years old.

  • Typical dosage: 20 mg once daily.

The child dosage is between 0 and 6 years old.

This medication has not been studied in young children. It should not be used in children younger than 7 years old.

The senior dosage is 65 years old.

Older adults may not be able to use their kidneys as effectively as they used to. Your body can process drugs more slowly if this is the case. A higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases the risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you with a lower dose or a different schedule. This can help keep the drug out of your body.

Dosage for heart disease prevention

The adult dosage is 18 to 64 years old.

  • Typical dosage: 5–40 mg once daily.

The child dosage is 0 to 17 years old.

This medication has not been studied in children. It should not be used in children younger than 18 years old.

The senior dosage is 65 years old.

Older adults may not be able to use their kidneys as effectively as they used to. Your body can process drugs more slowly if this is the case. A higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases the risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you with a lower dose or a different schedule. This can help keep the drug out of your body.

Special dosage considerations

For people of Asian descent: Your body may process this drug differently. This may lead to increased levels of this drug in your blood. Your doctor will likely give you a starting dosage of 5 mg once daily.

For people with kidney disease: Kidney disease can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk of side effects. Your doctor will likely give you a starting dosage of 5 mg daily. Your doctor may later increase your dosage to 10 mg daily.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

“The rosuvastatin oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. It comes with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.”

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: Your cholesterol may not be controlled. Over time, high cholesterol can lead to serious health problems such as a heart attack or stroke.

If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

  • severe There is pain in the abdomen.
  • vomiting
  • There is a lot of diarrhea.
  • There is pain in the muscles. and weakness

If you think you have taken too much of this drug, you should call your doctor. If you have a serious illness, you should call the emergency room.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose.

“Don’t try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could cause serious injuries. Do not take more than one dose in a day.”

How to tell if the drug is working: Your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels should go down, and your HDL (good) cholesterol levels should go up. You won’t be able to tell that the drug is working. Your doctor will order blood tests to check your cholesterol levels.

If your doctor prescribes rosuvastatin, keep these considerations in mind.

General

  • You can take this drug with or without food. It may help to take it with food.
  • Take this drug at the time your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not crush the tablets.

Storage

  • The drug should be kept at a room temperature of between 70 and 77 degrees.
  • “Don’t store this medication in damp areas.”

Refills

“A prescription is not required. You don’t need a new prescription for this medication to be changed. Your doctor will write the number of refill you authorize.”

Travel

Traveling with your medication.

  • Carry your medication with you. Never put it in a checked bag. It should be in your carry-on bag.
  • “Don’t worry about the machines. They can not harm your medication.”
  • You may need to show the pharmacy label to the airport staff. Carry the original container with you.
  • “Don’t leave this medication in the car or put it in the glove compartment. It is very hot or very cold when this is happening.”

Clinical monitoring

Your doctor will keep an eye on your health during treatment. You will have blood tests to make sure.

  • Cholesterol levels: This test will help make sure that this drug is working to improve your cholesterol levels.
  • Liver enzymes: Your doctor may check your liver enzymes before and during your treatment with this drug. Your doctor will check them carefully if they think you have liver problems. Let your doctor know if you have symptoms such as unusual There is pain in the muscles., tiredness, weakness, or loss of appetite. Also mention if you have pain in the right side of your abdomen (stomach area), Dark urine., or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Your diet

Your doctor may recommend a special diet to lower your cholesterol before you start taking this drug.

There are other drugs that can be used to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you. Discuss with your doctor if there are other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.