Rosuvastatin; Blood lipid medicine

**Blood fat** disease, which refers to the abnormal accumulation of fats and lipids in the blood, is one of the main causes of cardiovascular diseases; Because the increase in the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood can lead to blockage of blood vessels and as a result serious problems such as stroke and heart attack. In this regard, Rosuvastatin is one of the effective solutions that helps reduce cholesterol production in the liver and plays an important role in controlling and managing blood fat. In this article from Dr. Kihani Fard's website, we introduce rosuvastatin, its function, usage tips, side risks, drug interactions and everything you need to know. Blood lipids and stroke risk Cholesterol is produced by the liver and is vital for the process of cell formation; But when there is too much of it in the blood, it can become a problem. Therefore, lipid disease is a state in which the amount of unhealthy fats (especially cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood is more than normal; This situation can seriously affect the health of blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases; Because when these fats accumulate in the walls of the arteries, they create fatty plaques and cause narrowing or blockage of the arteries and decrease blood flow to the brain. If blood flow to the brain is suddenly cut off, it may lead to brain cell death and increase the risk of stroke. Therefore, controlling blood lipids through changes in lifestyle, proper diet and, if needed, medication is considered vital to reduce the risk of stroke and maintain brain health. For this reason, elderly people who have high blood fat and are unable to control it or experience symptoms such as dizziness (read the article on dangerous dizziness), it is better to prioritize a quick visit to a neurologist; Because these symptoms can be the early signs of a stroke that only timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious and unpleasant consequences. In such a situation, receiving guidance from an experienced specialist like Dr. Majid Kihani Fard can be very helpful. ### Introduction of blood lipid drug rosovastatin Rosuvastatin is one of the drugs of the statin group, which is prescribed to reduce the level of cholesterol and unhealthy fats in the blood. By inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase (which plays an important role in the production of cholesterol in the liver), this drug reduces the production of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, while increasing the level of good cholesterol (HDL). Rosuvastatin effectively reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases including heart attack and stroke. For this reason, this drug is prescribed along with diet, a weight loss program, and regular exercise to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as to reduce the likelihood of needing heart surgery (in people who have heart disease or are at risk of heart disease). The blood lipid drug rosuvastatin, which should only be taken with a doctor's prescription, is available in the form of capsules (Ezallor) and tablets (Crestor) for oral consumption. Rosuvastatin tablets have doses of 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg, and usually, along with prescribing this drug, the doctor changes the person's diet to a diet with low fat, sugar, and cholesterol. What is the dosage of Rosuvastatin? It is obvious that the dosage of this medicine is different for different patients and in this case, the person should only follow the instructions of his doctor. The following information only includes average doses of this drug, and if your dose is different, do not change it at all; Unless your doctor tells you to. ### How should rosuvastatin be taken? The use of this drug should only be prescribed by a doctor, and a person should not use more than the prescribed amount, more often than prescribed or for a longer period of time; Because this medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. Hence, to help maintain this constant amount, not only should no dose be missed, but it should be taken at a specific time of day. To use rosuvastatin tablets and capsules, which can be taken with food or on their own, you must swallow them whole (do not break, chew, or crush them). Of course, if you can't swallow the capsule, open it and mix the contents with 1 teaspoon of soft food (such as mashed potatoes or chocolate or vanilla pudding) for 10 to 15 seconds. Remember to eat the entire mixture within 60 minutes of mixing. You can also take the capsule using a nasogastric tube. To do this, pour the contents of the capsule into a 60 ml catheter syringe and add 40 ml of water to it (for this purpose, you should not use any liquid other than water). Replace the plunger and shake the syringe for 15 seconds. Then connect the syringe to the nasogastric tube and transfer the contents to the stomach. Finally, flush the tube with an additional 20 ml of water until all the medicine reaches the stomach. If you must take an antacid containing aluminum and magnesium (such as Malox), use the antacid at least 2 hours after rosostatin. ### What to do if you take too much or forget the dose? If a person accidentally takes too much rosuvastatin, they should seek medical help immediately. On the other hand, if a dose is forgotten, he can take it as soon as he remembers. Of course, this is if the time of the next dose is not close, otherwise the missed dose should be ignored and only the next dose should be used; So avoid taking extra dose. What are the most common side effects of rosuvastatin? Any drug, along with the positive effects it can have on the body, may also cause some unwanted side effects; Rosuvastatin is no exception to this rule. In the following section, we have stated the most common side effects of rosuvastatin; If any of the following side effects bother you while taking this medicine, be sure to inform your doctor: - Headache - Nausea - Weakness - Constipation - Abdominal pain - Muscle pain, cramps, spasms or stiffness - Pain or arthritis - Difficulty moving What are the serious side effects of rosuvastatin? Although serious side effects of rosuvastatin are less common, it can be helpful to know about them. Therefore, in the following section, we describe the serious side effects of this drug along with the actions you should take if these side effects occur: ### Muscle problems Rosuvastatin can cause muscle problems such as pain, weakness and muscle sensitivity called myopathy. In some people, the muscles may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which, although it can be serious, rarely leads to kidney damage and death. If you experience any of the following symptoms associated with myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, stop taking rosuvastatin and get medical help right away. - Unexplained muscle pain, weakness or tenderness - Decreased energy or feeling tired, especially with activity - Dark colored urine - Fever - Muscle cramps - Abdominal pain - Nausea or vomiting ### Liver damage Liver damage, also known as hepatotoxicity, may occur while taking rosuvastatin. Therefore, if you experience any of the following symptoms that are related to liver damage, contact your doctor very quickly: - Nausea or vomiting - Pain in the abdomen - Unusual weakness or fatigue - Fever - itching - Loss of appetite - Clear stools - Dark colored urine - Yellow skin or white eyes (also called jaundice) ### Severe allergic reactions Rosuvastatin can cause severe allergic reactions that may be serious. Therefore, if you experience any of the following symptoms that indicate a severe allergic reaction, stop taking rosuvastatin immediately and seek medical help: - Breathing problems or wheezing - Fast heartbeat - Fever or general feeling of illness - Swelling of lymph nodes - Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat - Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of tightness in the throat - itching, skin rash or pale red bumps on the skin (called hives) - Nausea or vomiting - Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting - Abdominal cramps - Joint pain In addition to the side effects we mentioned, the following can also be among the less common but serious side effects of rosuvastatin: - - - #### **Increasing blood sugar:** Rosuvastatin may increase your blood sugar levels. It's best to talk to your doctor about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. - #### **Observation of blood and protein in urine:** Protein and blood may be seen in the urine while taking rosuvastatin. If you notice the presence of these items in your urine, be sure to consult a doctor. Who should not use rosuvastatin? In the following section, we name the groups that should not take rosuvastatin blood lipid medicine: - **Those who are allergic to the ingredients of the medicine:** People who have a history of allergy to rosuvastatin or its components should not use this medicine. - **People with liver problems:** Those who have serious liver disorders or their liver function is not good, should avoid taking this medicine (of course, if there are concerns about liver health, the doctor usually conducts tests to find out if the liver is working well enough for the person to take this medicine or not.) - **Persons with muscle problems:** People who have a history of muscle problems or serious side effects caused by similar drugs should definitely consult a doctor before taking them. - **Pregnant or lactating women:** There is a possibility that the use of rosuvastatin will harm the fetus; It is also possible that this drug is transferred to breast milk. Therefore, pregnant or lactating women should not use this medicine. - **People with a history of stroke or serious heart problems:** Those who have acute heart or vascular problems should use this medicine with caution and under the supervision of a doctor. What should we know before using rosuvastatin? Before taking Rosuvastatin, pay attention to the following points: - ** Use according to prescription: ** Do not use rosuvastatin arbitrarily; Unless prescribed by your doctor. - **Not sharing medicine:** Even if others have the same condition as you, avoid sharing this medicine with them; Because this may harm them. - **Keep out of reach of children:** Keep rosuvastatin out of reach of children. - **Risks for people over 65 years of age:** People who are 65 years of age or older may be at higher risk for some side effects of rosuvastatin (including muscle pain, weakness, and injury); So, if you are in this age group, talk to your doctor about the possible risks. What should we tell the doctor before taking rosuvastatin? A person should discuss their medical history and health status with their doctor and share the details of any complementary, prescription, or over-the-counter (OTC) medications they are taking to determine if rosuvastatin is right for them. Here are the things you should tell your doctor: - **Current and past health conditions:** If a person has kidney, liver, thyroid problems, low blood pressure, low fasting glucose (pre-diabetes) or diabetes, also has a history of seizures and suffers from unexplained muscle weakness or pain, they should tell their doctor. - **Asian race:** If a person has Asian race, he should inform the doctor about it; Because you may be at a higher risk of developing serious muscle problems while taking rosuvastatin. - **Use of drugs and supplements:** Since rosuvastatin can interact with other drugs, a person should inform his doctor about any prescription or non-prescription drugs, vitamins or minerals, herbal medicines and other supplements that he uses. - **Pregnancy:** Rosuvastatin may harm the fetus. Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. The doctor can provide the necessary guidelines for taking this medicine during pregnancy. - **Breastfeeding:** Rosuvastatin can be transferred to breast milk; Therefore, if you are breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor about this. - **Antacid use:** If you use aluminum and magnesium hydroxide antacids (such as Mylanta and Mallox), inform your doctor. - **Surgery:** If you are going to undergo surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking rosuvastatin. Also, if you are hospitalized for a serious injury or infection, tell the doctor treating you that you are using rosuvastatin. Does rosuvastatin interact with food or drink? There are no known interactions between rosuvastatin and food or drink. However, the risk of liver damage may increase with the simultaneous consumption of large amounts of alcohol. Therefore, before taking rosuvastatin, inform your doctor about alcohol consumption and its amount. Does rosuvastatin interact with other drugs? Taking some medicines at the same time can interfere with rosuvastatin and affect its effects. In fact, these interactions may increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of the drug. Therefore, before starting treatment with rosuvastatin, it is important to tell your doctor about all the prescription, over-the-counter, and traditional herbal medicines and supplements you are taking. This will help your doctor to carefully assess your condition and find the right treatment for you. In the following, we mention examples of drugs that can interact with rosuvastatin: ### داروهای رقیق‌کننده خون Warfarin is used to thin the blood. Taking this drug with rosuvastatin can increase the ratio of your coagulation index (INR), which is a measure of how quickly blood clots. Therefore, your INR may need to be measured more frequently when you start taking rosuvastatin. ### Cholesterol drugs At the same time as taking rosuvastatin, some other drugs that are used to treat high cholesterol can increase the level of rosuvastatin in the blood as well as the possibility of muscle problems. Therefore, make sure your doctor knows you are taking rosuvastatin before taking these medications. Examples of some cholesterol medications include: - Niacin - Gemfibrozil - Fenofibrate ### Acid reducing drugs Some antacids or antacids that are used for indigestion and heartburn contain aluminum or magnesium and can reduce the amount of rosuvastatin in the blood. This process makes the medicine less effective and cannot treat the condition well. Therefore, these drugs should be used at least 2 hours after taking rosuvastatin. Examples of these antacids include: - Aluminum hydroxide - Magnesium hydroxide ### HIV drugs Some drugs used to treat HIV can increase the level of this drug in the body when used at the same time as rosuvastatin. This situation may increase the possibility of side effects caused by taking rosuvastatin such as muscle pain, weakness or sensitivity. Examples of these drugs include protease inhibitors: - Atazanavir - Lopinavir - Nelfinavir - Ritonavir ### Hepatitis C drugs Simultaneous use of some hepatitis C treatment drugs with rosuvastatin can also increase the amount of this drug in the body. Naturally, this process will increase the possibility of side effects such as muscle weakness and pain. Elbasvir or grazoprovir protease inhibitors are among these drugs. ### Immunosuppressive drug Cyclosporine (known by the brand names Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) is used to reduce the strength of the body's immune system. Using this drug with rosuvastatin can increase the level of this drug as well as the risk of side effects such as sensitivity, weakness and muscle pain. ### Gout medicine Colchicine is prescribed to treat gout attacks. The simultaneous use of this drug with rosuvastatin can increase the risk of side effects such as muscle pain and rhabdomyolysis to some extent. ### Cancer drugs Rigorafenib is used to treat colon and rectal cancer, capematinib is used to treat a type of lung cancer, enasindib is used to treat a type of leukemia, and the drug darulotamide is used to treat prostate cancer. The simultaneous use of these drugs with rosuvastatin can increase the level of this drug and also the possibility of side effects. In addition to the cases we mentioned, drugs such as ketoconazole, fluconazole (Diflucan), iterconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), posaconazole (Noxafil) or voriconazole (Vfend), which are used to treat fungal infections, can interact with rosuvastatin. How to store rosuvastatin? Rosuvastatin should be stored at room temperature, between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Of course, it can be placed for a short time at a temperature between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit); Like when we want to take it with us somewhere. Rosuvastatin tablets should be stored in a dry, cool place away from moisture. What is the difference between rosuvastatin and atorvastatin? Rosuvastatin and atorvastatin are both statin drugs that are prescribed to reduce cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular diseases; But naturally, in addition to the similarities, they also have some key differences, which we will discuss below: - **Chemical structure and mechanism of action:** Both drugs inhibit HMG-CoA reductase enzyme; But their chemical structure is different, which can affect their metabolism and side effects. - **Strength of effect:** Rosuvastatin is usually more powerful than atorvastatin in reducing the level of LDL (bad cholesterol). For this reason, a lower dose of rosuvastatin can lead to similar results than a higher dose of atorvastatin. **Dose and formulation**: Atorvastatin is usually prescribed in doses of 10 to 80 mg; While Rosuvastatin is available in doses of 5 to 40 mg. For this reason, the dosage and prescription for each patient is different according to his specific needs. **Side effects:** While both drugs may have similar side effects such as muscle pain and liver disorders, some research shows that rosuvastatin is associated with a lower risk of severe muscle complications. - **Method of use:** Both drugs can be taken at any time of the day with or without food; But the method of prescribing and the time of their use may be different based on the doctor's opinion. In general, the choice between the drug rosuvastatin and atorvastatin depends on various factors, including the patient's blood cholesterol level, the level of drug tolerance and the general health status of his body, which is finally determined by the discretion of the specialist doctor. Rosuvastatin and stroke risk reduction We know that people with high blood fat should take care of their body; Because the accumulation of these fats may cause cardiovascular diseases and stroke. This issue becomes more important especially in elderly people who cannot control their blood fat and suffer from dizziness; Because it may be a sign of stroke risk, in which case it will be necessary to see a neurologist. Meanwhile, Rosuvastatin is a drug that is used to reduce the level of cholesterol and harmful fats in the blood. This drug effectively helps prevent blockage of arteries by fats and reduces the risk of heart diseases and stroke.