Rosuvastatin

Rosuvastatin is a drug to lower  bad cholesterol ( LDL ) and triglyceride levels , and increase good cholesterol ( HDL ) levels in people with dyslipidemia . If cholesterol levels remain normal, then diseases such as heart attacks and strokes can be prevented.

Rosuvastatin is a statin drug. This drug reduces blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzymes in the liver that produce cholesterol.

For maximum treatment effect, rosuvastatin must be balanced with a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising regularly, maintaining an ideal body weight, maintaining a healthy diet, and stopping smoking .

Merk dagang Rosuvastatin: Crestor, Ezero, Giventor 20, Nistrol, Oloduo, Pyfaros 10, Rovator 20, Rosuvastatin Calcium, Rosupid, Rovascol, Rovastar, Rosufer, Rosfion, Roswin, Rozact, Rosatin, Recansa, Simrovas-10, Suvesco 40, Tintaros

What is Rosuvastatin

Precautions Before Taking Rosuvastatin

Rosuvastatin should not be taken carelessly. There are things that need to be considered before taking this drug, including:

• Do not take rosuvastatin if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had muscle pain as a side effect after using another statin class of drugs, such as lovastatin or simvastatin .
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease, kidney disease, hypothyroidism , muscle disorders, lung disease, seizures , low blood pressure (hypotension), diabetes, or have recently had major surgery.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with rosuvastatin, because alcohol can increase the risk of liver problems.
• Tell your doctor about your drinking habits, especially if you are having a hard time reducing or stopping the habit.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
• Use  the most effective contraceptive  method to prevent pregnancy while taking rosuvastatin, because this drug can increase the risk of side effects on the fetus.
• Tell your doctor that you are taking rosuvastatin if you are having surgery or certain medical procedures, including dental surgery.
• Consult your doctor about using rosuvastatin in the elderly (over 65 years) and children, because they are more at risk of experiencing side effects from this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, including supplements and herbal products, to avoid drug interactions.
• Immediately check with your doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction , serious side effects, or an overdose, after taking rosuvastatin.

Rosuvastatin Dosage and Administration

The dose of rosuvastatin given by doctors can be different, depending on the age and condition of the patient. Below is a breakdown of the rosuvastatin dosage based on the patient's condition:

Condition: Hypercholesterolemia with or without high triglycerides

• Adult: initial dose of 5–10 mg, once daily. Dosage may be increased after 4 weeks if necessary. Maximum dose of 20 mg, once a day.
  The maximum dose for patients with severe hypercholesterolemia with a high risk of cardiovascular disease is 40 mg once a day.

• Elderly >70 years: initial dose of 5 mg, once a day.

Condition: Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (high cholesterol inherited from both parents)

• Adult: 20 mg, once a day. Dosage may be increased after 2–4 weeks.
• Children 6–17 years: initial dose of 5–10 mg once daily. Dosage may be increased gradually up to a maximum of 20 mg once daily.

Condition: Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (high cholesterol inherited from one parent)

• Children: initial dose of 5 mg, once a day.
• Children 6–9 years: 5–10 mg once daily.
• Children 10–17 years: 5–20 mg once daily.

Condition: Prevention of cardiovascular disease ( stroke or heart attack ) in high-risk patients

• Adult: 20 mg, once a day.
• Elderly >70 years: initial dose of 5 mg, once a day.

How to Take Rosuvastatin Properly

Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before taking rosuvastatin. Do not increase or decrease your dose without consulting your doctor first.

Rosuvastatin can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the tablet or caplet whole with the help of a glass of water. Do not chew, split, or crush tablets or caplets before swallowing.

Make sure there is at least 12 hours between one dose and the next. Try to take rosuvastatin at the same time every day for maximum treatment.

If you forget to take rosuvastatin, take this drug as soon as you remember if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose the next time you consume it.

If you are taking antacids containing aluminum or magnesium while on rosuvastatin, take them within 2 hours of taking rosuvastatin.

Make sure to carry out the control according to the schedule given by the doctor. Usually, you will be asked to have blood and liver function tests before and after taking rosuvastatin. This aims to monitor side effects and effectiveness of rosuvastatin doses.

You also have to maintain a healthy lifestyle, for example by exercising 150-300 minutes per week, reducing saturated fat intake and replacing it with healthy fats , increasing fiber intake , and not consuming alcoholic beverages .

Store rosuvastatin at room temperature in a dry place away from sunlight, and keep rosuvastatin out of reach of children.

Rosuvastatin Interactions with Other Drugs

Interactions that can occur if rosuvastatin is used together with other drugs are:

• Increased risk of liver damage and rhabdomyolysis when used with ezetimibe, ritonavir, colchicine , ciclosporin, or gemfibrozil
• Decreased effectiveness of rosuvastatin when used with erythromycin
• Decreased absorption and effectiveness of rosuvastatin when used at the same time or in conjunction with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium
• Increased risk of bleeding when used with warfarin
• Increased risk of side effects from oral contraceptives, such as birth control pills
• Increased risk of myopathy when used with clarithromycin, itraconazole or fenofibrate

Rosuvastatin Side Effects and Dangers

Some of the side effects that may arise from using rosuvastatin are:

• Headache
• Nauseous
• Muscle aches or pain
• Stomach ache
• Weak

Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects below:

• Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis , which is characterized by pain, stiffness, or weakness in the muscles, especially when accompanied by fever or extreme fatigue
• Kidney disorders, which are characterized by a decrease in the amount of urine, fatigue, and swelling in the legs
• Liver disorders, which are characterized by jaundice , dark urine, nausea and vomiting, and pain in the upper abdomen