Rosuvastatin
Pronounced
"roe-SUE-vuh-stah-tin"
Common brand names:
Crestor
Uses
Rosuvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps to prevent strokes and heart attacks.
In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Talk with your doctor for more details.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking rosuvastatin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
If you are taking the capsule form of this medication, swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. If you have trouble swallowing the capsules, read and follow the manufacturer's Instructions for Use leaflet. You may carefully open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on 1 teaspoonful of soft food (such as applesauce, or chocolate- or vanilla-flavored pudding). Swallow all of the mixture without chewing. Use/discard the mixture within 60 minutes. Do not prepare a supply in advance.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, race, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you are of Asian descent, your doctor may direct you to start with a lower dose because you may be more sensitive to its effects.
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can reduce the absorption of this drug. If taking this type of antacid, take it at least 2 hours after this medication.
Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.
It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
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