Rosuvastatin belongs to a group of medicines called statins. It works by working on the liver to stop it making cholesterol.
Rosuvastatin is used to lower cholesterol if you have been diagnosed with high blood cholesterol. It's also taken to prevent heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
Your doctor may also prescribe rosuvastatin if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or a family history of rheumatoid arthritis or heart disease.
Rosuvastatin comes as tablets. It is available on prescription.
Key facts
- Rosuvastatin starts to work within a week to reduce cholesterol, but it can take up to a month to achieve its full effect. Your cholesterol levels should drop within 4 weeks if you take your medicine regularly, as prescribed.
- Rosuvastatin can make you feel dizzy. If this happens, do not drive, cycle or use machines or tools until you feel better.
- Speak to a doctor straight away if you get any unexplained muscle aches and pains, tenderness or weakness.
- Keep taking rosuvastatin even if you feel well, as you'll still be getting the benefits. Most people with high cholesterol do not have any symptoms.
- Do not take rosuvastatin if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant.