Brand Name
RAN-Rosuvastatin
Common Name
rosuvastatin
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02382644 | RAN-ROSUVASTATIN 5MG TABLET |
| 02382652 | RAN-ROSUVASTATIN 10MG TABLET |
| 02382660 | RAN-ROSUVASTATIN 20MG TABLET |
| 02382679 | RAN-ROSUVASTATIN 40MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Rosuvastatin belongs to the group of medications known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors ("statins"). It is used, along with a healthy diet and exercise program, to improve cholesterol levels by lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol. It is also used to treat people who have certain inherited cholesterol disorders.
Rosuvastatin works by blocking the enzyme that helps make cholesterol in the body. People with high blood cholesterol levels have a higher risk of heart diseases such as heart attacks. When cholesterol levels are lowered with a combination of medication, diet, and exercise, the risk of heart disease is lowered, too. It takes 2 to 4 weeks to see the maximum effect of this medication on cholesterol levels in blood tests.
It can also be used to reduce the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and angioplasty for people who have at least 2 risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
Before starting rosuvastatin, you should be following a cholesterol-lowering diet. If appropriate, a program of weight control and physical exercise should also be implemented.
The recommended dose of rosuvastatin ranges between 5 mg and 40 mg once daily. For most people, the usual recommended starting dose of rosuvastatin is 10 mg once daily. It may be taken in the morning or in the evening, with or without food. If necessary, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 40 mg daily. People who require the maximum dose of 40 mg per day should consult a specialist.
For people with severely reduced liver function, the maximum daily dose is 20 mg.
For people with severely reduced kidney function, the maximum daily dose is 10 mg.
A starting dose of 5 mg daily is recommended for people of Asian descent (Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, or Asian-Indian origin) and those who have severe kidney problems. This low dose should also be considered for people who do not need aggressive cholesterol-lowering effects and for people who may be at a greater risk of experiencing muscle-related problems.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
This medication is available as 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg tablets.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Rosuvastatin should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to rosuvastatin or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is pregnant
- is breast-feeding
- is taking cyclosporine
- has active liver disease or has unexplained increases in certain liver function tests
The 40 mg strength of rosuvastatin should not be taken by anyone who:
- is of Asian descent (Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, or Asian-Indian origin)
- is taking niacin or a fibrate (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate)
- has alcoholism or consumes large quantities of alcohol
- has an inherited muscle disorder or a family history of these disorders
- has had muscle damage with another statin medication (e.g., lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin)
- has hypothyroidism
- has other medical conditions or is taking other medications that would increase blood levels of rosuvastatin (check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if this applies to you)
- has severely reduced liver or kidney function
