Rosuvastatin

Overview

Rosuvastatin belongs to a class of medications known as statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). It is used to lower high cholesterol and triglycerides, and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

How Rosuvastatin works

Rosuvastatin inhibits the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in cholesterol production in the liver. This leads to decreased cholesterol synthesis and increased clearance of LDL ('bad') cholesterol from the blood, while also modestly raising HDL ('good') cholesterol and lowering triglycerides.

Uses

• Primary hypercholesterolemia (high LDL cholesterol)
• Mixed dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid levels)
• Homozygous and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia
• Prevention of major cardiovascular events in patients at high risk

Side effects

• Common: headache, muscle aches, joint pain, nausea, constipation
• Serious: unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (may indicate myopathy or rhabdomyolysis); dark urine; jaundice; allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)

Precautions

• Contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and active liver disease
• Use with caution if you consume large amounts of alcohol or have a history of liver problems
• May interact with certain medications like cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, some antivirals, and warfarin; inform your doctor about all medicines you take
• Rarely, it can cause severe muscle damage; report any muscle symptoms promptly