Rosuvastatin is a lipid lowering (cholesterol lowering drug or ‘statin’) drug which was launched in the UK in March 2003.
10mg – a round pink coloured tablet
20 mg – a round pink coloured tablet
40 mg – an oval pink coloured tablet
All patients should start on the lowest available dose of 10 mg. This includes those changing over from another statin.
An increase to 20 mg may be made after 4 weeks if necessary.
The 40 mg dose of Rosuvastatin is contraindicated in patients with predisposing factors for Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle). These include
Japanese and Chinese patients should not receive the 40 mg dose.
While on treatment you should report any unexplained muscle pain, weakness or cramps particularly if associated with malaise or fever.
If you take Warfarin your INR (a measure of anticoagulant efficacy) may increase when Rosuvastatin is started. Your INR should be monitored accordingly.
Dr Nishan Wijenaike
Consultant Diabetologist
West Suffolk Diabetes Service
Bury St Edmunds
September 2004