Nowadays, a health problem that many people, regardless of age, have is high cholesterol levels. So, your doctor may have prescribed you a medicine to control your cholesterol. One of the most commonly used medicines is Rosuvastatin. Maybe you are already using this medicine, or maybe you are about to start. However, it is very important to have a good understanding of the medicine you are taking. So today, let's talk about this medicine called Rosuvastatin.
What exactly is Rosuvastatin?
Simply put, Rosuvastatin is a medicine that helps control high cholesterol levels and thereby reduce the risk of serious conditions such as heart attack and stroke.
This belongs to a class of drugs called statins . There are two types of cholesterol in our bodies. One is "bad cholesterol" (also called `LDL` and `Triglycerides`), and the other is "good cholesterol" (HDL). This medicine works by reducing the level of bad cholesterol in your blood and increasing the level of good cholesterol.
But remember one thing. This medicine alone is not enough. To get the best results, you need to combine it with a proper diet and exercise . It's like a team sport.
What should I tell the doctor before starting the medication?
Before prescribing Rosuvastatin, your doctor will ask you about your health. However, if you have any of the following conditions, it is important to tell your doctor. This is very important.
| Your health condition | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Liver disease | Rosuvastatin works mainly through the liver. If there is any weakness in the liver, the effect of the drug may change. |
| Kidney disease | Because the kidneys remove medications from the body, kidney patients may need to adjust their medication dosage. |
| Diabetes | This medicine may slightly increase blood sugar levels. Caution should be exercised if you have diabetes. |
| Thyroid disease | It is important to be aware of this because thyroid hormone levels affect cholesterol levels and muscle function. |
| If you drink alcohol frequently | Both alcohol and statin medications can affect the liver, so the risk may increase. |
| Muscle pain or aches | Statin medications can sometimes cause muscle pain, so the doctor should be aware of the condition. |
| If you are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | This is extremely important. Taking Rosuvastatin in these cases can cause serious harm to the baby. |
| Allergies to other medications or foods | This is important to know if you are allergic to Rosuvastatin or any of its ingredients. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it properly.
- Take it on time: Take your medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor. Make this a habit.
- Swallow the capsule: Swallow this medicine whole . Do not break, crush, or chew it. Doing so may change the way the medicine works.
- If you have difficulty swallowing: Some people have difficulty swallowing capsules. If so, you can carefully open the capsule, mix the medicine inside with a teaspoon of applesauce, and swallow it all at once. However, do not chew the mixture. Ask your doctor about this.
- Before or after food?: This medicine can be taken before or after food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Be careful when taking antacids: If you are taking antacids containing aluminum and magnesium hydroxide for gastritis, do not take them at the same time as Rosuvastatin. Take the antacid at least two hours after taking Rosuvastatin . Otherwise, the absorption of Rosuvastatin will be reduced.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 12 hours until your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose. Just take your next dose at the usual time. Never take two doses at once.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What other interactions may occur with this medicine?
Rosuvastatin can interact with some other medications and substances. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal products, and Ayurvedic medicines).
| Substances that may cause problems | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| Red yeast rice | Since this is a naturally occurring statin product, taking it with Rosuvastatin may increase side effects. |
| Warfarin (a blood thinner) | Medical supervision is very important because the risk of bleeding may change when these two medications are taken together. |
| Cyclosporine (an immune-suppressing drug) | It can increase the level of rosuvastatin in the body, increasing the risk of side effects. |
| Other cholesterol-lowering medications | The risk of muscle damage may increase when taken with other cholesterol medications. |
| Antacids containing aluminum/magnesium | Rosuvastatin reduces absorption into the body. Keep a 2-hour gap. |
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, Rosuvastatin can cause side effects in some people. Most of these are minor, but there are some things you should be especially careful of.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Muscle injury | Unexplained muscle pain, stiffness, weakness, dark yellow or brown urine. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, and yellowing of the eyes or skin. |
| High blood sugar levels (Hyperglycemia) | Excessive thirst, frequent urination, unusual fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Headache |
| Nausea | Nausea |
| Stomach pain | Stomach pain |
| Tiredness | Fatigue |
Special attention during pregnancy and breastfeeding!
Avoid taking this medicine during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. It may cause serious harm to an unborn baby. If you are planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
How to store and dispose of medicine?
- Always keep medicine out of the reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature, away from moisture and excessive sunlight.
- Do not use expired medicine.
- It is best to seek advice from a government hospital or pharmacy to dispose of unused or expired medicines. If this is not possible, remove the medicine from the capsule, mix it with coffee grounds, soil, or other waste material, place it in a tightly sealed bag or container, and dispose of it in the trash. Never flush it down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- Take Rosuvastatin at the same time every day. Swallow the tablet whole without breaking, crushing, or chewing.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and health conditions you are taking.
- If you experience unexplained muscle pain or weakness, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid taking this medicine completely if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- This medicine alone is not enough. For best results, add a healthy diet and exercise to your life.
- If you have any concerns about this medication, discuss it with your doctor.
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