Rosuvastatin Treatment

Rosuvastatin is a prescription drug typically used to treat people with high cholesterol levels. It helps lower bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels while increasing good cholesterol levels. In some patients, it may be prescribed to help slow the progression of arteriosclerosis, a condition in which blood vessels become narrower. Rosuvastatin is a generic medication. It is also available in the United States under the brand name Crestor, from AstraZeneca.

How It Works

• Rosuvastatin is classified as an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, a group of drugs also called statins. They work by reducing the body's production of fatty substances, such as cholesterol. Rosuvastatin and other statins are typically prescribed along with a change in diet and exercise to help lower a patient's cholesterol level into a healthy range. Rosuvastatin is generally taken once a day. Your doctor may start by prescribing a small dose and increase it slowly to achieve the desired affect.

Side Effects

• Some patients taking rosuvastatin may experience dry mouth or constipation. Neither of these is cause for concern. However, some side effects may indicate that a serious problem has developed that may require treatment. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: jaundice; darker than normal urine; chest pain; muscle pain, tenderness or weakness; swelling of the hands, ankles or feet; pale stools; persistent or severe headaches; stomach pain.

  Also, because statins can in rare cases affect liver and kidney function, your doctor may order blood tests while you are taking rosuvastatin to monitor your liver and kidneys and watch for potentially dangerous side effects.

Drug Interactions

• Like nearly all medications, rosuvastatin can interact with other medications, reducing the effectiveness of one of the drugs or increasing the likelihood of experiencing side effects. For example, patients taking rosuvastatin along with fibrates, niacin or immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine are at an increased risk of experiencing kidney or muscle problems. In addition, those taking rosuvastatin with anticoagulants, macrolide immunosuppressants, ketoconazole, spironolactone or cimetidine are more likely to experience side effects.

  To reduce the risk of harmful drug interactions or experiencing bothersome side effects, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other drugs you are taking.