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Quick facts
- How it is given
- oral
- Type
- human prescription drug
- RxNorm ID
- 859424
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
Pediatric use information for patients 7 to 17 years of age is approved for AstraZeneca’s CRESTOR (rosuvastatin calcium) tablets. However, due to AstraZeneca’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information. Rosuvastatin tablets are an HMG Co‑A reductase inhibitor indicated for: adult patients with hypertriglyceridemia as an adjunct to diet (1.3) adult patients with primary dysbetalipoproteinemia (Type III hyperlipoproteinemia) as an adjunct to diet (1.4) adult patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) to reduce LDL‑C, total-C, and ApoB (1.5) Limitations of use (1.8) : Rosuvastatin tablets have not been studied in Fredrickson Type I and V dyslipidemias. 1.3 Hypertriglyceridemia Rosuvastatin tablets are indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for the treatment of adult patients with hypertriglyceridemia. 1.4 Primary Dysbetalipoproteinemia (Type III Hyperlipoproteinemia) Rosuvastatin tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet for the treatment of adult patients with primary dysbetalipoproteinemia (Type III Hyperlipoproteinemia). 1.5 Adult Patients with Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia Rosuvastatin tablets are indicated as adjunctive therapy to other lipid-lowering treatments (e.g., LDL apheresis) or alone if such treatments are unavailable to reduce LDL-C, Total-C, and ApoB in adult patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. 1.8 Limitations of Use Rosuvastatin tablets have not been studied in Fredrickson Type I and V dyslipidemias.
About this medicine
Rosuvastatin calcium is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent for oral administration. The chemical name for rosuvastatin calcium is bis[(E)-7-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-isopropyl-2-[methyl(methylsulfonyl)amino] pyrimidin-5-yl](3R,5S)-3,5-dihydroxyhept-6-enoic acid] calcium salt with the following structural formula: The empirical formula for rosuvastatin calcium is (C 22 H 27 FN 3 O 6 S) 2 Ca and the molecular weight is 1001.14. Rosuvastatin calcium, USP is a white amorphous powder that is sparingly soluble in water and methanol, and slightly soluble in ethanol. Rosuvastatin calcium, USP is a hydrophilic compound with a partition coefficient (octanol/water) of 0.13 at pH of 7.0. Rosuvastatin tablets, USP for oral administration contain 5, 10, 20, or 40 mg of rosuvastatin and the following inactive ingredients: For 5 mg: Each film coated tablet contains: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, anhydrous lactose, crospovidone, magnesium oxide, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, triacetin, titanium dioxide, and ferric oxide yellow. For 10, 20 and 40 mg: Each film coated tablet contains: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, anhydrous lactose, crospovidone, magnesium oxide, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, triacetin, titanium dioxide, FD & C yellow No. 6, FD & C red No. 40, and FD & C blue No.1. Rosuvastatin tablets, USP meet USP Dissolution Test 2.
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Rosuvastatin is a selective and competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme that converts 3‑hydroxy‑3‑methylglutaryl coenzyme A to mevalonate, a precursor of cholesterol. In vivo studies in animals, and in vitro studies in cultured animal and human cells have shown rosuvastatin to have a high uptake into, and selectivity for, action in the liver, the target organ for cholesterol lowering. In in vivo and in vitro studies, rosuvastatin produces its lipid-modifying effects in two ways. First, it increases the number of hepatic LDL receptors on the cell-surface to enhance uptake and catabolism of LDL. Second, rosuvastatin inhibits hepatic synthesis of VLDL, which reduces the total number of VLDL and LDL particles.
Who should not take it
Rosuvastatin tablets are contraindicated in the following conditions: Patients with a known hypersensitivity to any component of this product. Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema have been reported with rosuvastatin [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Patients with active liver disease, which may include unexplained persistent elevations of hepatic transaminase levels [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Pregnancy [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3 )]. Lactation. Limited data indicate that rosuvastatin is present in human milk. Because statins have the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, women who require rosuvastatin treatment should not breastfeed their infants [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.2) ]. Known hypersensitivity to product components (4) Active liver disease, which may include unexplained persistent elevations in hepatic transaminase levels (4) Pregnancy ( 4 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) Lactation ( 4 , 8.2 )
Warnings and cautions
Skeletal muscle effects (e.g., myopathy and rhabdomyolysis): Risks increase with use of 40 mg dose, advanced age (≥65), hypothyroidism, renal impairment, and combination use with cyclosporine, darolutamide, regorafenib, certain anti-viral medicines or their combinations. Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria have been reported. Advise patients to promptly report to their physician unexplained and/or persistent muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness and discontinue rosuvastatin tablets if signs or symptoms appear. ( 5.1 , 7.4 , 7.5 , 7.7 , 7.8 ) Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy (IMNM): There have been rare reports of IMNM, an autoimmune myopathy, associated with statin use. IMNM is characterized by: proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase, which persist despite discontinuation of statin treatment; positive anti-HMG CoA reductase antibody; muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy; and improvement with immunosuppressive agents. (5.2) Liver enzyme abnormalities: Persistent elevations in hepatic transaminases can occur. Perform liver enzyme tests before initiating therapy and as clinically indicated thereafter. (5.3) 5.1 Skeletal Muscle Effects Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, including rosuvastatin. These risks can occur at any dose level, but are increased at the highest dose (40 mg). Rosuvastatin tablets should be prescribed with caution in patients with predisposing factors for myopathy (e.g., age ≥ 65 years, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, renal impairment). Rosuvastatin tablets should be prescribed with caution in patients with predisposing factors for myopathy (e.g., age ≥ 65 years, inadequately treated hypothyroidism, renal impairment). […]
Reported side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Rhabdomyolysis with myoglobinuria and acute renal failure and myopathy (including myositis) [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Liver enzyme abnormalities [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Most frequent adverse reactions (rate > 2%) are headache, myalgia, abdominal pain, asthenia, and nausea. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Accord Healthcare Inc. at 1-866-941-7875 or www.accord-healthcare.us or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. In the rosuvastatin controlled clinical trials database (placebo or active-controlled) of 5394 patients with a mean treatment duration of 15 weeks, 1.4% of patients discontinued due to adverse reactions. The most common adverse reactions that led to treatment discontinuation were: myalgia abdominal pain nausea The most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 2%) in the rosuvastatin controlled clinical trial database of 5394 patients were: headache myalgia abdominal pain asthenia nausea Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% of patients in placebo-controlled clinical studies and at a rate greater than placebo are shown in Table 1. These studies had a treatment duration of up to 12 weeks. Table 1. Adverse Reactions 1 Reported in ≥ 2% of Patients Treated with Rosuvastatin and > Placebo in Placebo‑Controlled Trials (% of Patients) Adverse Reactions Rosuvastatin 5 mg N=291 Rosuvastatin 10 mg N=283 Rosuvastatin 20 mg N=64 Rosuvastatin 40 mg N=106 Total Rosuvastatin 5 mg to 40 mg N=744 Placebo N=382 Headache 5.5 4.9 3.1 8.5 5.5 5.0 Nausea 3.8 3.5 6.3 0 3.4 3.1 Myalgia 3.1 2.1 6.3 1.9 2.8 1.3 Asthenia 2.4 3.2 4.7 0.9 2.7 2.6 Constipation 2.1 2.1 4.7 2.8 2.4 2.4 1 Adverse reactions by COSTART preferred term. […]
Interactions with other medicines
7. DRUG INTERACTIONS Combination of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir or ledipasvir/sofosbuvir: Combination increases rosuvastatin exposure. Use with rosuvastatin tablets is not recommended. ( 2.4 , 5.1 , 7.3 , 12.3 ) Cyclosporine and darolutamide: Combination increases rosuvastatin exposure. Limit rosuvastatin dose to 5 mg once daily. ( 2.4 , 5.1 , 7.1 , 7.4 , 12.3 ) Gemfibrozil: Combination should be avoided. If used together, limit rosuvastatin tablet dose to 10 mg once daily. ( 2.4 , 5.1 , 7.2 ) Atazanavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, simeprevir or combination of dasabuvir/ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, elbasvir/grazoprevir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir: Combination increases rosuvastatin exposure. Limit rosuvastatin dose to 10 mg once daily. ( 2.4 , 5.1 , 7.3 , 12.3 ) Regorafenib: Combination increases rosuvastatin exposure. Limit rosuvastatin dose to 10 mg once daily. ( 2.4 , 5.1 , 7.5 ) Coumarin anticoagulants: Combination prolongs INR. Achieve stable INR prior to starting rosuvastatin tablets. Monitor INR frequently until stable upon initiation or alteration of rosuvastatin tablets therapy. ( 5.4 , 7.6 ) Concomitant lipid-lowering therapies: Use with fibrates or lipid-modifying doses (≥1 g/day) of niacin increases the risk of adverse skeletal muscle effects. Caution should be used when prescribing with rosuvastatin tablets. ( 5.1 , 7.7 , 7.8 ) 7.1 Cyclosporine Cyclosporine increased rosuvastatin exposure and may result in increased risk of myopathy. Therefore, in patients taking cyclosporine, the dose of rosuvastatin should not exceed 5 mg once daily [ see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.2 Gemfibrozil Gemfibrozil significantly increased rosuvastatin exposure. Due to an observed increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis, combination therapy with rosuvastatin and gemfibrozil should be avoided. If used together, the dose of rosuvastatin should not exceed 10 mg once daily [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. […]
Use in specific groups
8. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Females of reproductive potential: Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Rosuvastatin tablets. ( 8.3 ) Severe renal impairment (not on hemodialysis): Starting dose is 5 mg, not to exceed 10 mg. ( 2.5 , 5.1 , 8.6 ) Asian population: Consider 5 mg starting dose. ( 2.3 , 8.8 ) Pediatric use information for patients 7 to 17 years of age is approved for AstraZeneca’s CRESTOR (rosuvastatin calcium) tablets. However, due to AstraZeneca’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information. 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Rosuvastatin is contraindicated for use in pregnant women since safety in pregnant women has not been established and there is no apparent benefit to therapy with rosuvastatin during pregnancy. Because HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors decrease cholesterol synthesis and possibly the synthesis of other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol, rosuvastatin may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Rosuvastatin should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is recognized [see Contraindications (4) ] . Limited published data on the use of rosuvastatin are insufficient to determine a drug-associated risk of major congenital malformations or miscarriage. In animal reproduction studies, there were no adverse developmental effects with oral administration of rosuvastatin during organogenesis at systemic exposures equivalent to a maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 40 mg/day in rats or rabbits (based on AUC and body surface area, respectively). In rats and rabbits, decreased pup/fetal survival occurred at 12 times and equivalent, respectively, to the MRHD of 40 mg/day [see Data ] . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data Limited published data on rosuvastatin have not shown an increased risk of major congenital malformations or miscarriage. […]
If too much is taken
There is no specific treatment in the event of overdose. In the event of overdose, the patient should be treated symptomatically and supportive measures instituted as required. Hemodialysis does not significantly enhance clearance of rosuvastatin.
Before you take anything new
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This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 30 October 2024. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.