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Rosuvastatin

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Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your cholesterol can be checked. You will have to undergo tests, particularly when you first start treatment, to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
Do not stop taking rosuvastatin without checking with your doctor first. When you stop taking rosuvastatin, your cholesterol levels may increase.
Important: If you have any unusual aches and pains in your muscles that continue for longer than you would expect, stop taking rosuvastatin and contact your doctor immediately.

About rosuvastatin

Type of medicine	Statin
Used for	Lowering cholesterol and other lipids (fats) in the blood
Also called	Crestor
Available as	Tablets

Cholesterol is made naturally in the body and is absorbed from the food we eat. If levels of cholesterol are too high in the bloodstream, it is deposited on the walls of blood vessels. Eventually this leads to the narrowing of the blood vessels and can cause them to block completely. High levels of cholesterol can cause problems if left untreated. Rosuvastatin is used to lower cholesterol and other lipids (fats) in the blood and may help prevent medical problems caused by cholesterol such as heart disease.

Before taking rosuvastatin

Before taking rosuvastatin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you have any liver problems or have ever had a disease which affected your liver.
If you have any kidney problems.
If you suffer from myopathy (a condition that affects your muscles).
If you have repeated or unexplained muscle aches or pain.
If you have a thyroid disorder.
If you are over 70 years old.
If you regularly drink large amounts of alcohol.
If you are of Asian origin.
If you have an intolerance to some sugars (lactose or milk sugar).
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

Rosuvastatin is not recommended for use in children.

How to take rosuvastatin

Take rosuvastatin exactly as directed by your doctor.
Try to take rosuvastatin at the same time each day to avoid missing a dose.
If you forget to take a dose take your next dose at the correct time and then carry on as before. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.

Getting the most from your treatment

Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your cholesterol can be checked. You will have to undergo tests, particularly when you first start treatment, to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
Do not stop taking rosuvastatin without checking with your doctor first. When you stop taking rosuvastatin, your cholesterol levels may increase.
Avoid drinking alcohol while you are being treated with rosuvastatin as this can increase your cholesterol levels.
Women of childbearing age should not take rosuvastatin unless they are using an effective method of contraceptive. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. If you do become pregnant, stop taking rosuvastatin immediately and speak to your doctor.
Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking rosuvastatin.

Can rosuvastatin cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Dizziness	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol - it will increase any feelings of dizziness.
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Constipation	Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
Nausea	Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.

Important: If you have any unusual aches and pains in your muscles that continue for longer than you would expect, stop taking rosuvastatin and contact your doctor immediately.

Important: If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing or have severe itching of the skin, stop taking rosuvastatin and seek medical attention immediately.

Important: If you experience difficulty breathing, a dry cough, weakness, weight loss and a high temperature, speak with your doctor straight away.

Other side-effects may include mood changes, difficulty sleeping, forgetfulness, sexual problems, stomach pain, feeling weak, rash, itching or other skin reactions, blood in the urine, numbness in the arms and legs and memory loss. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store rosuvastatin

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Summary of Product Characteristics, Crestor® tablets, AstraZeneca UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised 19 October 2007, accessed 12 November 2007.
Manufacturer's PIL, Crestor® tablets, AstraZeneca UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised July 2007, accessed 12 November 2007.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
1488

DocRef:
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Last Updated:
27 Nov 2007

Date of Next Review:
26 Nov 2009

Version:
23

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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