www.DiabeteSuffolk.com
Diabetes Medications and New Drugs
Rosuvastatin (CRESTORR)
- What is Rosuvastatin?
- What is the strength of the available tablets?
- What is the starting dose?
- When is it safe to increase the dose?
- What are the contraindications?
- What side effects should I be on the look out for?
- Are there any other precautions I should know about?
What is Rosuvastatin?
Rosuvastatin is a lipid lowering (cholesterol lowering drug or ‘statin’) drug which was launched in the UK in March 2003.
What is the strength of the available tablets?
10mg – a round pink coloured tablet
20 mg – a round pink coloured tablet
40 mg – an oval pink coloured tablet
What is the starting dose?
All patients should start on the lowest available dose of 10 mg. This includes those changing over from another statin.
When is it safe to increase the dose?
An increase to 20 mg may be made after 4 weeks if necessary.
What are the contraindications?
- active liver disease
- serum transaminase elevation exceeding x3 upper limit of normal
- severe renal impairment
- concomittant treatment with cyclosporin
- pregnancy
The 40 mg dose of Rosuvastatin is contraindicated in patients with predisposing factors for Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle). These include
- moderate renal impairment
- hypothyroidism
- family history of inherited muscle disorders
- previous history of muscle problems with a different statin
- alcohol abuse
- use of fibrates in parallel
Japanese and Chinese patients should not receive the 40 mg dose.
What side effects should I be on the look out for?
While on treatment you should report any unexplained muscle pain, weakness or cramps particularly if associated with malaise or fever.
Are there any other precautions I should know about?
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