Late-StageResearch compoundATC · C10AA07Rx · Prescription only (Rx)

Rosuvastatin

Hydrophilic high-intensity statin (AstraZeneca Crestor). JUPITER trial established primary ASCVD prevention even at elevated CRP. Few CYP interactions.

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Rosuvastatin vial

WHAT 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.

Data console

Lab data

/lab/molecular-data.jsonLIVE
> ATC codeC10AA07
> PrescriptionPrescription only (Rx)
> MechanismHydrophilic competitive HMG-CoA reductase inhibition. Highe…
> Half-life19 h (once-daily, any time)
> Onset1-2 weeks (lipid), 4 weeks (steady-state LDL)
> Bioavailability~20% (oral – FDA Crestor label)

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

N Engl J Med. 2008;359(21):2195-207.

Rosuvastatin to prevent vascular events in men and women with elevated CRP (JUPITER)

Ridker PM, Danielson E, Fonseca FA et al.

PMID: 18997196Open
N Engl J Med. 2005;352(14):1425-35.

Intensive lipid lowering with atorvastatin in coronary disease (TNT) reference

LaRosa JC, Grundy SM, Waters DD et al.

PMID: 15755765Open
Lancet. 2010;376(9753):1670-81.

Efficacy and safety of cholesterol-lowering treatment (CTT)

Baigent C, Blackwell L, Emberson J et al.

PMID: 21067804Open

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Have a question about Rosuvastatin?

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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MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA
Updated: June 19, 2026

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.