Rosuvastatin calcium is a medication used to manage cholesterol levels. It belongs to a class of drugs known as statins, prescribed to reduce harmful fats in the bloodstream. The medication is commonly sold under the brand name Crestor, alongside its generic form. Rosuvastatin’s main purpose is to decrease “bad” cholesterol, specifically low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides, while also increasing “good” cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This action helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.
How Rosuvastatin Calcium Lowers Cholesterol
The liver produces cholesterol. An enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, plays a significant role in this process. Rosuvastatin calcium works by inhibiting this enzyme, slowing the liver’s production of cholesterol.
When the liver’s internal cholesterol levels decrease due to this inhibition, it signals the liver to produce more low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors on its cell surfaces. These receptors increase the liver’s ability to take up and clear LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. This dual action of reduced production and increased removal leads to a substantial decrease in LDL cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in the blood. Rosuvastatin also has a modest effect on increasing HDL cholesterol and reducing triglycerides.
Conditions Treated by Rosuvastatin Calcium
Rosuvastatin calcium is prescribed for several conditions related to abnormal lipid levels and cardiovascular disease prevention. It is commonly used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to treat high cholesterol, known as hypercholesterolemia. This includes primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia, where both cholesterol and triglyceride levels are elevated.
The medication also addresses high triglyceride levels, or hypertriglyceridemia. Beyond managing existing high lipid levels, rosuvastatin is approved for the primary prevention of cardiovascular events in adults who have an increased risk of heart disease, even if their cholesterol levels are not yet significantly high. It can also help slow the progression of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries. In some cases, it is used to treat high cholesterol in children with specific genetic conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia.
Common and Serious Side Effects
Patients taking rosuvastatin calcium may experience common and milder side effects. These can include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation. Muscle aches, weakness, or tenderness are also frequently reported, affecting approximately 10% of users. Mild joint pain and fatigue are other possible common reactions.
While less frequent, more serious side effects can occur and warrant immediate medical attention. Severe muscle problems, such as rhabdomyolysis, involve the breakdown of muscle tissue and can lead to kidney issues. Symptoms to watch for include unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by fever, dark-colored urine, or unusual tiredness. Liver problems are another serious concern, which may manifest as unexplained weakness, decreased appetite, pain in the upper right abdomen, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). Increased blood sugar levels, potentially leading to new-onset diabetes, and memory problems or confusion have also been reported.
Important Drug Interactions and Warnings
Rosuvastatin calcium can interact with various other medications, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. For instance, cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant, can significantly increase rosuvastatin levels in the blood, necessitating a maximum rosuvastatin dose of 5 mg daily. Fibrates, another class of cholesterol-lowering drugs like gemfibrozil, can also increase the risk of muscle problems when taken with rosuvastatin.
Antiviral medications for HIV or hepatitis C can interfere with rosuvastatin’s breakdown, leading to higher drug concentrations and an increased risk of muscle injury. Some antifungals may also interact similarly. While rosuvastatin has minimal interaction with grapefruit compared to other statins, it is advisable to discuss its consumption with a healthcare provider.
Rosuvastatin should not be taken by certain patients due to increased risks. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it may harm the developing baby or infant. Individuals with active liver disease or significant liver problems should avoid this medication, as it can worsen their condition or cause severe muscle issues. Patients with severe kidney impairment also have a higher risk of muscle problems and require careful consideration and potential dose adjustments.