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Rosuvastatin |
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What is Rosuvastatin and why is it prescribed? Rosuvastatin blocks the production of cholesterol in the body. Rosuvastatin is used to reduce the amounts of LDL (bad) cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B (a protein needed to make cholesterol) in the blood. Rosuvastatin also increases the level of HDL (good) cholesterol in the blood. These actions are important in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in the arteries), which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of Rosuvastatin and other similar medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or flulike symptoms or yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems. Do not take Rosuvastatin if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Do not take Rosuvastatin without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease. Alcohol and Rosuvastatin can both be damaging to the liver. Discuss with your doctor the amount of alcohol that you drink so that it can be determined if Rosuvastatin is the best choice for lowering your cholesterol. How should you take Rosuvastatin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Rosuvastatin. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Rosuvastatin can be taken with or without food. Rosuvastatin is usually taken once a day. Try to take each dose at the same time daily. Follow your doctor's instructions. It is important to take Rosuvastatin regularly to get the most benefit. Do not stop taking Rosuvastatin without first talking to your doctor. It may be weeks or months before beneficial effects are seen from Rosuvastatin. Your doctor may want to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with Rosuvastatin, at twelve weeks after start of treatment and after any increase in dose, and periodically (every 6 months) thereafter. Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor can determine how much monitoring you will require. Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. To realize beneficial effects from Rosuvastatin, avoid fatty, high-cholesterol foods. If you miss a dose take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of Rosuvastatin. Store Rosuvastatin at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Are there any Rosuvastatin side effects? Rosuvastatin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Rosuvastatin side effects may include headache, diarrhea or constipation, and nausea or upset stomach. Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of Rosuvastatin and other similar medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or flulike symptoms or yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems. If you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) stop taking Rosuvastatin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Rosuvastatin? If Rosuvastatin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Do not take Rosuvastatin with antacids that contain aluminum and magnesium such as Maalox, Mylanta, Gelusil and others. If an antacid that contains aluminum and magnesium is needed, it should be taken at least 2 hours following a dose of Rosuvastatin. Before taking Rosuvastatin, talk to your doctor if you are taking cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), clofibrate (Atromid-S), fenofibrate (Tricor), gemfibrozil (Lopid), niacin (Nicolar, Nicobid, Nicotinex, others), or warfarin (Coumadin). You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Rosuvastatin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. Are there any special warnings about Rosuvastatin? Alcohol and Rosuvastatin can both be damaging to the liver. Discuss with your doctor the amount of alcohol that you drink so that it can be determined if Rosuvastatin is the best choice for lowering your cholesterol. Do not take Rosuvastatin with antacids that contain aluminum and magnesium such as Maalox, Mylanta, Gelusil and others. If an antacid that contains aluminum and magnesium is needed, it should be taken at least 2 hours following a dose of Rosuvastatin. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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