Rosuvastatin
Hydrophilic high-intensity statin (AstraZeneca Crestor). JUPITER trial established primary ASCVD prevention even at elevated CRP. Few CYP interactions.
Related comparisons
Atorvastatin vs RosuvastatinWHAT IS ROSUVASTATIN?
Detailed overview
Rosuvastatin is a hydrophilic HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (AstraZeneca Crestor, FDA 2003). Most potent statin by intensity – 40 mg/day yields ~60-63% LDL reduction (vs atorvastatin 80 mg ~55%). JUPITER trial (Ridker 2008 NEJM PMID 18997196) established primary ASCVD prevention in elevated-CRP, normo-LDL patients. Less CYP-involved than atorvastatin (mainly CYP2C9, minor CYP3A4), so fewer drug interactions. Side effect profile similar to other statins.
ATC code
C10AA07
Prescription
Prescription only (Rx)
Mechanism
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (hydrophilic statin)
Half-life
19 h (once-daily, any time)
LDL reduction
50-55% (high-intensity, 20-40 mg)
Data console
Lab data
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 8
- Muscle symptoms (myalgia, weakness), dose-dependent: rarely myopathy and serious rhabdomyolysis (with kidney injury, elevated creatine kinase), more common at 40 mg, in elderly/renal-impaired patients, or with interacting drugs.
- Liver enzyme elevation (ALT/AST), usually mild and reversible, dose-dependent; rarely clinically significant hepatotoxicity.
- Slightly increased risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes, especially with existing risk factors (prediabetes, high BMI, hypertension).
- Proteinuria and hematuria (mainly at 40 mg, mostly tubular, usually transient), with a dose-related effect on renal parameters.
- Gastrointestinal complaints: abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, dyspepsia.
- Headache, dizziness, asthenia (weakness).
- Rare but serious: immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (muscle weakness persisting after stopping the statin, needing immunosuppression); isolated cases of interstitial lung disease.
- Memory disturbance/confusion (usually reversible, resolves on discontinuation) and skin reactions (rash, itching, rarely severe skin reaction).
Contraindications · 2
- Active liver disease, pregnancy, lactation
- Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 – for 40 mg dose)
Related Pharmaceuticals
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
Rosuvastatin to prevent vascular events in men and women with elevated CRP (JUPITER)
Ridker PM, Danielson E, Fonseca FA et al.
Intensive lipid lowering with atorvastatin in coronary disease (TNT) reference
LaRosa JC, Grundy SM, Waters DD et al.
Efficacy and safety of cholesterol-lowering treatment (CTT)
Baigent C, Blackwell L, Emberson J et al.
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Educational drug info from official sources (PubMed, FDA, EMA). Does NOT replace medical consultation or the SmPC. Talk to your doctor!
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The information here is for educational and scientific purposes only. Medication use requires medical consultation and a prescription. The indications, dose ranges, and side effects listed here do NOT replace the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) or consultation with a physician. Do not start or stop any medication on your own. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.