Rosuvastatin
Rosuvastatin is a statin drug. It is also known by the brand names: Crestor, Sandos (AU), Ezallor, or Rosuvastatin Calcium.
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It acts by working on the liver to stop it making cholesterol. It starts to work within a week to reduce cholesterol, but it can take up to a month to achieve its full effect.[1]
A doctor may prescribe rosuvastatin for diabetes or kidney disease, or if there is family history of rheumatoid arthritis or heart disease.[1] These factors, and having too much cholesterol (such as high LDL), increase risk of heart problems. Rosuvastatin is used to lower high blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia).[1] The drug is also used to prevent strokes and cardiovascular disease in people with high risk.[2] Common side effects are abdominal pain, nausea and headaches. Serious side effects, though uncommon, are type 2 diabetes and liver conditions.
The drug was patented in 1991. It was approved for medical use in the United States twelve years later.
Related pages
- LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) and lDL (little L)
- Beta blocker