


Rosuvastatin Calcium is a prescription medication in the class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). This medication is used to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood. By reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increasing HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, Rosuvastatin helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Rosuvastatin Calcium |
| Brand Names | Crestor |
| Strengths | 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg |
| Dosage Forms | Oral Tablets |
| Drug Class | Statin (HMG‑CoA Reductase Inhibitor) |
| Primary Uses | Lowers LDL cholesterol; lowers triglycerides; increases HDL; treats hyperlipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia; slows atherosclerosis; reduces risk of heart attack & stroke; treats familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH & HoFH) |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, muscle pain, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, weakness |
| Serious Side Effects | Myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, liver enzyme elevation, kidney issues, hypersensitivity reactions |
| Major Warnings | Muscle injury risk, liver toxicity, increased blood sugar/diabetes risk, higher sensitivity in Asian patients (lower starting dose recommended) |
| Monitoring Required | Lipid panel, liver function tests, and evaluation for muscle symptoms |
| How to Take | Once daily, with or without food; avoid aluminum/magnesium antacids within 2 hours |
| Time to See Effect | 2–4 weeks for LDL reduction |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture |
| Legal Status | Rx only |
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Rosuvastatin Calcium (Crestor) is a statin FDA-approved for the following medical uses:
Primary Hyperlipidemia (including Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia):
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH):
Hypertriglyceridemia:
Primary Dysbetalipoproteinemia (Type III Hyperlipoproteinemia):
Atherosclerosis (Slowing Disease Progression):
Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events:
Rosuvastatin Calcium works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme in the liver responsible for producing cholesterol. This enzyme plays a key role in the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, an early & rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis. By blocking this enzyme, Rosuvastatin:
Lowering LDL cholesterol helps reduce the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in the arteries, thereby decreasing the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular complications.
Your Rosuvastatin Calcium dose depends on your condition, cholesterol levels, and other health factors. Always follow your doctor-prescribed dosage regimen.
| Condition / Patient Type | Recommended Starting Dose | Titration / Maintenance | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Hyperlipidemia / Mixed Dyslipidemia | 10–20 mg once daily | Adjust based on LDL‑C response; 5–40 mg once daily | Take with or without food; assess lipid response in 4 weeks |
| High‑Risk ASCVD / Primary Prevention | 5–20 mg depending on LDL reduction needed | Adjust based on LDL‑C response; max 40 mg | For adults at high risk of cardiovascular disease |
| Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) | 10–20 mg once daily | Adjust to 5–40 mg daily based on response | Adjunct to diet |
| Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) | 20 mg once daily | May increase to 40 mg; use with other LDL‑lowering therapies | Monitor closely; adjunct therapy |
| Hypertriglyceridemia / Dysbetalipoproteinemia | 5–10 mg once daily | Titrate up to 40 mg based on lipid goals | Adjunct to diet |
| Asian Adults | 5 mg once daily | Increase cautiously up to 20 mg | Higher risk of myopathy; adjust carefully |
| Severe Renal Impairment (not on dialysis) | 5 mg once daily | Max 10 mg daily | Dose reduction required; monitor renal function |
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| Condition / Age Group | Recommended Starting Dose | Titration / Maintenance | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HeFH, 8 to <10 years | 5 mg once daily | Increase cautiously; maximum 10 mg | Safety below the age of 8 has not been established |
| HeFH, ≥10 years | 5 mg once daily | Titrate to 5–20 mg based on LDL‑C response | Adjunct to diet |
| HoFH, ≥7 years | 20 mg once daily, but dosing may range from 5–20 mg based on response | May increase to 40 mg; use with other LDL‑lowering therapies | Closely monitor LDL‑C |
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You must follow these administration guidelines for effective use of Rosuvastatin Calcium tablets:
Always follow the prescribing information for Rosuvastatin Calcium (Crestor) and consult your healthcare provider if you miss a dose or have questions about your treatment.
Skeletal Muscle Effects (Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis)
Liver Enzyme Abnormalities
Proteinuria and Hematuria
Risk in Pregnancy
Here are some important precautions you should consider when taking Rosuvastatin Calcium:
Do not use Rosuvastatin Calcium if you:
| Common Rosuvastatin Calcium Side Effects | Rare or Serious Side Effects of Rosuvastatin Calcium |
|---|---|
| Headache | Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) |
| Myalgia (muscle pain) | Immune‑mediated necrotizing myopathy |
| Abdominal pain | Liver enzyme abnormalities (ALT/AST elevations) |
| Nausea | Hepatic failure (rare) |
| Asthenia (weakness) | Proteinuria and hematuria (usually transient) |
| Constipation | Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, pruritus, urticaria) |
| Type 2 diabetes mellitus (reported in some patients) | Angioedema and anaphylaxis |
| Arthralgia (joint pain) | Cognitive impairment (memory loss, confusion – reversible) |
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Taking more than the prescribed dose of Rosuvastatin Calcium may increase the risk of serious side effects, particularly muscle toxicity and liver enzyme abnormalities.
Possible Symptoms of Rosuvastatin Overdose
There is no specific antidote for Rosuvastatin overdose. Treatment is supportive and based on symptoms. If you think you have taken too much Rosuvastatin Calcium, seek immediate medical attention or contact your local poison control center.
Here are the recommended storage conditions for Rosuvastatin Calcium tablets to keep the medication safe:
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) may interact with certain medications, some of which are as follows:
| Drug Class | Increased Rosuvastatin exposure; higher risk of muscle toxicity. Dose limitation required. | Rosuvastatin Calcium Interaction Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Immunosuppressant | Cyclosporine | Significantly increases Rosuvastatin plasma concentrations and risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis. Maximum recommended dose: 5 mg once daily. |
| Fibrate (Gemfibrozil) | Gemfibrozil | Increases risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis. Avoid combination if possible; if used, maximum dose: 10 mg once daily. |
| Other Fibrates | Fenofibrate | Increased risk of skeletal muscle effects, including myopathy. Use with caution; monitor patients. |
| Niacin (Lipid‑modifying doses) | Niacin ≥1 g/day | Increased risk of myopathy when combined with Rosuvastatin. Monitor for muscle symptoms. |
| Protease Inhibitors (HIV/HCV) | Atazanavir/ritonavir, Lopinavir/ritonavir, Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir | Increased Rosuvastatin exposure; higher risk of muscle toxicity. Dose limitation required. |
| Coumarin Anticoagulants | Warfarin | May increase INR and bleeding risk. Monitor INR before starting and during dose adjustments. |
| Antacids (Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide) | Aluminum hydroxide, Magnesium hydroxide combinations | Decrease in Rosuvastatin plasma concentrations. Administer antacids at least 2 hours after Rosuvastatin. |
| Macrolide Antibiotic | Erythromycin | Slight decrease in Rosuvastatin exposure. Generally not clinically significant. |
| Colchicine | Colchicine | Increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis when used together. Monitor patients. |
| Alcohol (Excessive use) | Ethanol | Increased risk of liver enzyme elevations and hepatotoxicity. Use caution in patients who consume substantial amounts of alcohol. |
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A high Rosuvastatin Calcium cost can make managing high cholesterol difficult for many patients. That’s why many people choose Polar Bear Meds to buy Rosuvastatin Calcium online from Canada at affordable prices. By ordering from licensed Canadian pharmacies, customers can save up to 80% on Rosuvastatin Calcium prescription prices compared to U.S. pharmacies. Savings can vary by pharmacy.
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Rosuvastatin Calcium orders ship quickly and typically arrive within 3–5 business days via Xpress Post, ensuring you receive your medication on time. Delivery times may vary depending on location within the U.S.
This information is for general knowledge only and does not replace medical advice. Always talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing any medicine, including Rosuvastatin Calcium. Each person’s health condition is different, and only a healthcare professional can decide the right treatment. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat any medical problem. In case of an emergency, seek medical help immediately. The authors are not responsible for any harm caused by using this information.

Dr. Jackson Miller is a board-certified medicine physician & hospitalist. He is a healthcare professional with a strong background in patient care. With years of experience and a patient-first approach, he believes the foundation of good health is a patient who feels informed and empowered. He contributes to medical content review, drawing on his background in clinical practice and patient education. He focuses on presenting health information in a clear, accurate, and accessible way to help readers make informed decisions. His work emphasizes clarity, evidence-based guidance, and understandable explanations of medical topics.
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