1. Rosuvastatin oral tablet is available as a brand-name drug and a generic drug. Brand name: Crestor.
  2. Rosuvastatin comes only in the form of a tablet you take by mouth.
  3. Rosuvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol, including conditions that are genetic (passed down through families). It’s also used to prevent heart disease.

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  • Severe muscle problems warning: This medication can cause severe muscle problems. These include myopathy, with symptoms such as muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Myopathy can lead to rhabdomyolysis. With this condition, muscle breaks down and can cause kidney damage and even death. If you notice unusual pain or weakness in your muscles, especially if you feel more tired than usual or have a fever, call your doctor right away. Your doctor may decide to stop your treatment with this medication. Call your doctor right away if muscle problems last after your doctor has told you to stop taking this drug.
  • Liver problems warning: This drug can increase levels of your liver enzymes. Increased liver enzymes can be a sign of liver damage. Your doctor may check these levels to make sure that this drug is not harming your liver.

Rosuvastatin is a prescription drug. It comes in the form of a tablet you take by mouth.

Rosuvastatin is available as the brand-name drug Crestor. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name drug.

This drug may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.

Why it’s used

Rosuvastatin is used to reduce your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase your HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It also reduces your triglyceride level (fats in your blood). Improving your cholesterol levels helps prevent blockages from forming in your arteries. These blockages can cause serious problems, including heart attack or stroke.

How it works

Rosuvastatin belongs to a class of drugs called statins. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Rosuvastatin works by blocking enzymes in your liver that make cholesterol. This lowers your levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. It also raises your levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.

Rosuvastatin oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects that can occur with use of rosuvastatin include:

  • headache
  • pain in the abdomen (stomach area)
  • muscle pain
  • nausea
  • weakness

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

  • Severe muscle problems. Symptoms can include:
    • unexplained or unusual muscle pain
    • weakness
    • fever
  • Liver problems. Symptoms can include:
    • unexplained or unusual weakness
    • decrease in appetite
    • pain in the abdomen (stomach area)
    • dark-colored urine
    • yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.

Rosuvastatin oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with rosuvastatin are listed below.

Acid-reducing drugs

When taken with rosuvastatin, certain antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium can decrease the amount of rosuvastatin in your blood. This makes it less effective, and it won’t work as well to treat your condition. These drugs should be taken at least 2 hours after taking rosuvastatin. Examples of these drugs include:

  • aluminum hydroxide
  • magnesium hydroxide

Blood thinner

Warfarin is used to thin the blood. Taking this drug with rosuvastatin can increase your international normalized ratio (INR). This is a measure of how quickly your blood clots. Your INR may need to be measured more often when you start taking rosuvastatin or if your doctor changes your dosage.

Cholesterol drugs

When taken with rosuvastatin, some other drugs used to treat high cholesterol can increase the levels of rosuvastatin in your blood. This raises your risk of muscle problems. Before taking these drugs, make sure your doctor knows that you take rosuvastatin. Examples of these drugs include:

  • niacin
  • gemfibrozil
  • fenofibrate

HIV drugs

When taken with rosuvastatin, certain drugs used to treat HIV can increase levels of rosuvastatin in your body. This raises your risk of side effects from rosuvastatin. These side effects include muscle problems such as muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness.

Examples of these drugs include protease inhibitors such as:

  • atazanavir
  • lopinavir
  • nelfinavir
  • ritonavir

Hepatitis C drugs

When taken with rosuvastatin, certain drugs used to treat hepatitis C can increase levels of rosuvastatin in your body. This raises your risk of side effects from rosuvastatin. These side effects include muscle problems such as muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness.

Examples of these drugs include protease inhibitors such as:

Immune suppression drug

Cyclosporine is used to decrease the strength of the immune system. Using this drug with rosuvastatin can increase levels of rosuvastatin in your body. This raises your risk of side effects from rosuvastatin. These side effects include muscle problems such as muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness.

Gout drug

Colchicine is used to treat gout flares. Using this drug with rosuvastatin can increase your risk of side effects such as muscle pain and rhabdomyolysis.

Cancer drugs

Darolutamide is used to treat prostate cancer. Using this drug with rosuvastatin can increase the levels of rosuvastatin in your body. This raises your risk of side effects from rosuvastatin. These side effects include muscle problems such as muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness.

Regorafenib is used to treat cancer of the colon and rectum. Using this drug with rosuvastatin can increase the levels of rosuvastatin in your body. This raises your risk of side effects from rosuvastatin. These side effects include muscle problems such as muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare professional about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

This drug comes with several warnings.

Allergy warning

This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

  • rash
  • hives
  • swelling of your face, mouth, and tongue
  • trouble breathing

If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Alcohol interaction warning

The use of drinks that contain alcohol can increase your risk of liver problems from rosuvastatin. Tell your doctor if you drink more than two glasses of alcohol per day. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you have active liver disease or a history of liver problems.

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with liver problems: You are at higher risk of severe muscle problems from taking this drug. Talk with your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you.

For people with kidney problems: You are at higher risk of severe muscle problems from taking this drug. Talk with your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you.

Warnings for other groups

For people of Asian descent: You are at higher risk of side effects from this drug due to increased levels of rosuvastatin in your blood. Your doctor may start you at a lower dosage.

For pregnant people: In July 2021, the FDA requested that statins no longer be labeled as contraindicated (never used) during pregnancy. The FDA recommends that most people discontinue statins when they become pregnant, but the person should weigh their options with their doctor. The FDA has also requested that manufacturers update their package inserts to reflect the change. As of now, there is no deadline by which all manufacturers must update their package inserts.

Call your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this drug.

For people who are nursing: This drug can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is nursed. You should not nurse your child while taking this drug. Talk with your doctor if you nurse your child. You will need to decide whether to stop nursing or stop taking this medication.

For seniors: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects from this drug. Your doctor will monitor you closely for side effects while you take this drug.

For children: For most conditions, this medication should not be used in people younger than 18 years. It can be used in children ages 8–17 years to treat heterozygous high cholesterol. It can also be used in children ages 7–17 years to treat homozygous high cholesterol.

All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

  • your age
  • the condition being treated
  • how severe your condition is
  • other medical conditions you have
  • how you react to the first dose

Drug forms and strengths

Generic: Rosuvastatin

  • Form: oral tablet
  • Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg

Brand: Crestor

  • Form: oral tablet
  • Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg

Dosage for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), hypertriglyceridemia, and type III hyperlipoproteinemia

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

  • Typical dosage: 5–40 mg once daily.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This medication has not been studied in children for this purpose. It should not be used in people younger than 18 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different medication schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Dosage for heterozygous high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

  • Typical dosage: 5–40 mg once daily.

Child dosage (ages 10–17 years)

  • Typical dosage: 5–20 mg once daily.

Child dosage (ages 8–9 years)

  • Typical dosage: 5–10 mg once daily.

Child dosage (ages 0–7 years)

This medication has not been studied in young children for this purpose. It should not be used in children younger than 8 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different medication schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Dosage for homozygous high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

  • Typical starting dosage: 20 mg once daily.

Child dosage (ages 7–17 years)

  • Typical dosage: 20 mg once daily.

Child dosage (ages 0–6 years)

This medication has not been studied in young children for this purpose. It should not be used in children younger than 7 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different medication schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Dosage for heart disease prevention

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

  • Typical dosage: 5–40 mg once daily.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This medication has not been studied in children for this purpose. It should not be used in children younger than 18 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different medication schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Special dosage considerations

For people of Asian descent: Your body may process this drug differently. This may lead to increased levels of this drug in your blood. Your doctor will likely give you a starting dosage of 5 mg once daily.

For people with kidney disease: Kidney disease can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk of side effects. Your doctor will likely give you a starting dosage of 5 mg daily. Your doctor may later increase your dosage to 10 mg daily.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Rosuvastatin oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. It comes with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: Your cholesterol may not be controlled. Over time, high cholesterol can lead to serious health problems such as a heart attack or stroke.

If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

  • severe pain in the abdomen (stomach area)
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • muscle pain and weakness

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or local poison control center. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose.

Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects. Do not take more than 1 dose of this drug within 12 hours.

How to tell if the drug is working: Your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels should go down, and your HDL (good) cholesterol levels should go up. You won’t be able to tell that the drug is working. Your doctor will order blood tests to check your cholesterol levels.

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes rosuvastatin for you.

General

  • You can take this drug with or without food. Taking it with food may help to reduce upset stomach.
  • Take this drug at the time(s) recommended by your doctor.
  • Do not cut or crush the tablet.

Storage

  • Keep this drug at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
  • Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

  • Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
  • Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t harm your medication.
  • You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
  • Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Clinical monitoring

Your doctor will monitor your health during treatment with this drug. You will have blood tests to check your:

  • Cholesterol levels: This test will help make sure that this drug is working to improve your cholesterol levels.
  • Liver enzymes: Your doctor may check your liver enzymes before and during your treatment with this drug. Your doctor will check them carefully if they think you have liver problems. Let your doctor know if you have symptoms such as unusual muscle pain, tiredness, weakness, or loss of appetite. Also mention if you have pain in the right side of your abdomen (stomach area), dark-colored urine, or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Your diet

Before you start taking this drug, your doctor may start you on a special diet to lower your cholesterol.

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.