Rosuvastatin Calcium
Pronunciation: (roe-SOO-va-stat-in).
- Generic name
- rosuvastatin calcium
- Brand names
- Rozavel, Rosuvas, Crestor, Rosuvastatin Sandoz, Rosuvastatin Zentiva, Rosuvastatin Apotex
- Drug class
- HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What rosuvastatin calcium is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how rosuvastatin calcium works
Rosuvastatin is a selective, competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a precursor of cholesterol. By inhibiting this enzyme, rosuvastatin reduces hepatic cholesterol synthesis, upregulates LDL receptors on hepatocytes, and increases clearance of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. (1)
What rosuvastatin calcium is used for
Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia (2)
Cardiovascular disease prevention
Cardiovascular disease prevention (2)
Before taking rosuvastatin calcium
Do not take / not appropriate for
- active liver disease, unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and known hypersensitivity to rosuvastatin. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, history of liver disease, or those at risk for myopathy/rhabdomyolysis (e.g., elderly, hypothyroidism, concomitant use of other lipid-lowering agents). (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take rosuvastatin calcium
- General Instructions: Take Crestor exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily, with or without food.. Adult Dosing: The typical starting dose for adults is 5–10 mg once daily. Dosage may be adjusted up to a maximum of 40 mg once daily based on cholesterol response and risk factors.. Pediatric Dosing: For children aged 8–17 years with familial hypercholesterolemia, the usual starting dose is 5–10 mg once daily, with a maximum of 20 mg daily.. Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with water. Take at the same time each day for best results.. When To Stop: Do not stop taking Crestor without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well. Stopping suddenly may increase your risk of heart problems.. Storage: Store at room temperature (68–77°F or 20–25°C), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center. Symptoms may include severe muscle pain, weakness, or confusion. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Headache
Incidence: ~5.5% in FDA clinical trial data
Muscle pain (myalgia)
Incidence: ~2.8% in FDA clinical trial data
Nausea
Incidence: ~3.4% in FDA clinical trial data
Abdominal pain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database and FDA labeling; specific frequency not established in the source reviewed
Weakness (asthenia)
Incidence: ~2.7% in FDA clinical trial data
Constipation
Incidence: ~2.4% in FDA clinical trial data
Increases in blood sugar (fasting glucose) and HbA1c
Incidence: Reported; in some cases increases have exceeded the diagnostic threshold for diabetes
Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially with fever or dark urine — possible rhabdomyolysis
(1)Signs of liver problems: fatigue, loss of appetite, right upper abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin/eyes (jaundice)
(2)Blood or protein noted in routine urine testing (proteinuria/hematuria), reported more often at the 40 mg dose and usually transient
(2)Serious warnings
May cause muscle problems, including rare but serious rhabdomyolysis — serious
Symptoms: May cause muscle problems, including rare but serious rhabdomyolysis. Can cause liver enzyme abnormalities; regular monitoring is required. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Use with caution in patients with kidney impairment. May interact with other cholesterol-lowering medications and certain antivirals.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications include active liver disease, unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and known hypersensitivity to rosuvastatin. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, history of liver disease, or those at risk for myopathy/rhabdomyolysis (e.g., elderly, hypothyroidism, concomitant use of other lipid-lowering agents).
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Crestor may interact with other medicines such as cyclosporine, certain antivirals (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir), warfarin, other statins, and fibrates. These interactions can increase the risk of muscle or liver problems. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
| Cyclosporine | Cyclosporine can increase rosuvastatin blood levels roughly 7-fold; the FDA label specifies the rosuvastatin dose should not exceed 5 mg once daily with concomitant cyclosporine. | (2) |
| Gemfibrozil | Concomitant use should generally be avoided; if unavoidable, the FDA label specifies starting rosuvastatin at 5 mg once daily and not exceeding 10 mg once daily. | (2) |
| HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir) | The FDA label specifies starting rosuvastatin at 5 mg once daily and not exceeding 10 mg once daily with these combinations. | (2) |
| Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (hepatitis C combination) | The FDA label recommends avoiding concomitant use with rosuvastatin. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Crestor is contraindicated in pregnancy. Based on the way statins work (reducing cholesterol synthesis, which is needed for normal fetal development), the FDA label states Crestor may cause fetal harm; the label notes treatment is typically stopped once pregnancy is recognized. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant while taking Crestor, contact your healthcare provider promptly for guidance. Human data across statins as a class have not shown a clear increased risk of major birth defects, though data on miscarriage risk are insufficient. (2)
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during Crestor treatment, due to the potential for adverse effects in the infant and the drug's effect on cholesterol synthesis important for infant development. (2)
Children
General safety and effectiveness in pediatric hyperlipidemia have not been established. FDA labeling documents experience only in children aged 8 years and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, dosed and monitored by a specialist; safety has not been established in children under 8 years of age. (2)
Renal_impairment
Renal impairment: no dose adjustment is needed for mild or moderate renal impairment. For severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance under 30 mL/min/1.73m2) not on hemodialysis, the recommended starting dose is 5 mg once daily, not to exceed 10 mg once daily. Hepatic impairment: Crestor is contraindicated in acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis; in other liver disease, baseline liver enzyme testing is generally recommended and patients should be monitored for symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, or dark urine, especially with substantial alcohol use or prior liver disease. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal impairment: no dose adjustment is needed for mild or moderate renal impairment. For severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance under 30 mL/min/1.73m2) not on hemodialysis, the recommended starting dose is 5 mg once daily, not to exceed 10 mg once daily. Hepatic impairment: Crestor is contraindicated in acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis; in other liver disease, baseline liver enzyme testing is generally recommended and patients should be monitored for symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, or dark urine, especially with substantial alcohol use or prior liver disease. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at controlled room temperature, 68–77°F (20–25°C), protected from moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Study the drug class: Statins
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Hyperlipidemia
Dose summary: Initial dose of 10 mg once daily, may be adjusted based on response and tolerability. FDA labeling additionally recommends an initial dose of 5 mg once daily in patients of Asian ancestry, given higher observed drug exposure and myopathy risk in this group; doses above 20 mg should weigh risks and benefits.
Renal context: No adjustment needed for mild/moderate renal impairment. Severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min/1.73m2), not on hemodialysis: start 5 mg once daily, maximum 10 mg once daily. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for Crestor to lower cholesterol?
Most people see a significant reduction in cholesterol levels within 2–4 weeks of starting Crestor. Your doctor will monitor your progress with blood tests.
Can I take Crestor at night?
Yes, Crestor can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. It is important to take it at the same time each day.
Is Crestor safe during pregnancy?
No, Crestor should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may harm the baby.
What should I do if I experience muscle pain while taking Crestor?
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or dark urine.
Can Crestor be used in children?
Yes, Crestor is approved for use in children aged 8 years and older with certain inherited cholesterol disorders, under specialist supervision.
Do I need regular blood tests while taking Crestor?
Yes, your doctor will order regular blood tests to monitor your cholesterol levels and liver function while you are taking Crestor.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Crestor?
Alcohol should be limited while taking Crestor, as excessive drinking increases the risk of liver problems.
What happens if I take too much Crestor (rosuvastatin)?
Taking too much Crestor (rosuvastatin) may increase the risk of severe side effects such as rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) or liver damage. Symptoms could include severe muscle pain, weakness, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin/eyes. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Crestor (rosuvastatin)?
While moderate alcohol consumption may not be strictly prohibited, excessive alcohol intake while taking Crestor (rosuvastatin) can increase the risk of liver problems, a known side effect of statins. It is advisable to discuss your alcohol consumption habits with your healthcare provider to understand the potential risks and receive personalized guidance.
Is Crestor (rosuvastatin) safe during pregnancy?
Crestor (rosuvastatin) is generally not recommended during pregnancy. It falls under a category where the risks to the fetus may outweigh the potential benefits. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider immediately to discuss alternative treatments or the safest course of action.
What is the mechanism of action of rosuvastatin calcium?
Rosuvastatin is a selective, competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a precursor of cholesterol. By inhibiting this enzyme, rosuvastatin reduces hepatic cholesterol synthesis, upregulates LDL receptors on hepatocytes, and increases clearance of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. (1)
What is the generic name of Rosuvastatin Calcium?
The generic name is rosuvastatin calcium. It is sold under brand names including Rozavel, Rosuvas, Crestor, Rosuvastatin Sandoz, Rosuvastatin Zentiva, Rosuvastatin Apotex.
What class of drug is rosuvastatin calcium?
Rosuvastatin Calcium is classed as: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin).
References
- Crestor (rosuvastatin) – Medicine RecordMedGuideGlobal (internal clinician-authored medicine record) · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- CRESTOR (rosuvastatin calcium) – full prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration (DailyMed) · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- ROSUVASTATIN CALCIUM TABLET, FILM COATED [ZHEJIANG YONGTAI PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Rosuvastatin — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Rosuvastatin Calcium — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA207062)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- rosuvastatin calcium — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 323828)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient rosuvastatin calcium names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Crestor5 mg, 40 mg, 20 mg, 10 mg · astrazeneca pharmaceuticals lp
- rosuvstatin5 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 10 mg · lifestar pharma llc
- Rosuvastain Calcium10 mg, 40 mg, 20 mg, 5 mg · chartwell rx, llc
Canada
- CRESTOR -
- MED-ROSUVASTATIN