Rosuvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering drug that works like Atorvastatin, which is primarily by blocking the enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis, especially in the liver, and hence reduces cholesterol levels. It is the first-line medication used for hypercholesterolaemia or hyperlipidemia (elevated blood cholesterol).
The detailed indications of Rosuvastatin include primary hypercholesterolemia or combined (mixed) hyperlipidemia in patients who did not respond adequately to diet and other appropriate measures, homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in patients who have not responded adequately to diet and other appropriate measures, and prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular disease or at high risk of having a cardiovascular event (e.g. people who smoke, people with diabetes).
Rosuvastatin is taken by mouth as tablets. The dose range of Rosuvastatin is 5 to 40 mg once daily. The dose of Rosuvastatin can be adjusted based on your cholesterol level by your doctor at least every 4 weeks. Usually, a lower dose is used in the Asian population.
The most common side effects of Rosuvastatin are muscle pain, muscle weakness, and shoulder pain. Rare side effects include an increased risk of diabetes, cognitive impairment (inability to focus or remember) and rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown).
Common dosing schedule:
You can take Rosuvastatin once a day at any time. Take the drug at the same time every day.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Rosuvastatin may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Rosuvastatin is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Rosuvastatin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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