Rosuvastatin calcium is a generic prescription drug that lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in people with high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, or who are at risk of cardiovascular problems. Also known as brand-name Crestor, rosuvastatin calcium belongs to a family of drugs called statins that block the liver’s synthesis of “bad” or LDL cholesterol. Healthcare professionals consider it a safe cholesterol treatment, but some people may experience problems when taking this drug.
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Rosuvastatin overview
BRAND NAMES:
Crestor, Ezallor Sprinkle
Generic Names:
Rosuvastatin calcium
Uses:
Lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride (fat) levels and increases good cholesterol (HDL) levels. Also reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and related health conditions in people with atherosclerosis or who have risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Therapeutic Classes:
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin), antihyperlipidemic
Forms:
Tablet, sprinkle capsule
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Rosuvastatin used for?
Rosuvastatin calcium is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat high cholesterol and fats (hyperlipidemia) in people diagnosed with primary high cholesterol (the type most people have), hereditary high cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, and primary dysbetalipoproteinemia. It’s also FDA-approved to control cholesterol and fat numbers in people with atherosclerosis and who have risk factors for stroke, heart attack, and coronary artery disease.
Key takeaways
Take rosuvastatin calcium as directed by your healthcare provider; it is commonly taken once a day and should be taken at the same time each day.
Be aware of serious potential side effects such as muscle pain (pain, tenderness, or weakness of muscles) or liver problems (fatigue, loss of appetite, belly pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes), and contact your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Implement lifestyle changes that incorporate an improved diet and regular exercise for optimal results.
What form(s) does Rosuvastatin come in
Tablet
5 mg
10 mg
20 mg
40 mg
Capsule
5 mg
10 mg
20 mg
40 mg
What are common Rosuvastatin doses?
For high cholesterol or the reduction of the risk of heart attack, stroke, or similar problems: 5–40 mg once daily
For heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in children:
8–9 years of age: 5–10 mg once daily
10 years of age and older: 5–20 mg once daily
For homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in children 7 years of age and older: 20 mg once daily
Common Rosuvastatin prescriptions
Rosuvastatin Calcium
10mg tabletRosuvastatin Calcium
20mg tabletRosuvastatin Calcium
40mg tabletRosuvastatin Calcium
5mg tablet
How to take Rosuvastatin
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed to find what works best for you.
Take this medicine once per day at any time of day.
Rosuvastatin calcium tablets and capsules can be taken with or without food.
How to take rosuvastatin calcium tablets
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
Store rosuvastatin tablets at room temperature protected from moisture.
How to take rosuvastatin calcium capsules
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush or chew it.
If you have trouble swallowing, you may open it and mix the contents with 1 teaspoon of soft food (including applesauce, chocolate pudding, or vanilla pudding).
Stir the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.
Take this mixture within 1 hour, but do not chew it.
Do not save the mixture for later use.
Throw away any unused mixture.
Rosuvastatin capsules can also be prepared for dosage through a nasogastric tube. Follow the instructions in the drug information sheet or Instructions for Use sheet included with the medicine.
Store rosuvastatin capsules at room temperature in a dry place.
What to do if you miss a dose of Rosuvastatin
If a dose is missed, do not take an extra dose. Take the next dose as scheduled.
Rosuvastatin contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have:
Had an allergic reaction to rosuvastatin
Active liver disease
It is not safe to take rosuvastatin calcium during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant.
Rosuvastatin warnings
Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine, especially before a medical or dental procedure.
Your doctor will perform lab tests at regular visits to monitor the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Breastfeeding is not recommended in women taking rosuvastatin calcium.
Tell your doctor if you have:
Kidney disease
A history of liver disease
Diabetes
Thyroid problems
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly (two drinks a day).
This medicine may cause:
Muscle pain, muscle weakness, or severe muscle damage, which can lead to kidney problems, kidney failure, and possibly death
Liver problems
Increased blood sugar levels
Rosuvastatin interactions
To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are using before taking atorvastatin.
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
Some medicines will require that rosuvastatin calcium be prescribed at a lower dose, so make sure to tell the prescriber if you’re taking:
Antiviral drugs
The immune suppressant cyclosporine
The cholesterol-lowering drug gemfibrozil
Teriflunomide, enasidenib, capmatinib, fostamatinib, regorafenib, febuxostat, tafamidis, darolutamide
Some drugs increase the risk of rosuvastatin calcium side effects, so tell the doctor if you’re taking niacin or colchicine.
Tell the doctor if you’re taking the blood thinner warfarin.
If you need to take an antacid that contains aluminum and magnesium, take it at least 2 hours before a rosuvastatin calcium dose.
Rosuvastatin side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, dark urine
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Headache
Nausea
Muscle pain
Find more detailed information about Crestor side effects here.
Sources:
Ezallor Sprinkle rosuvastatin capsule prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Rosuvastatin tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
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