Rosuvastatin 5 mg 10 mg 20 mg 40 mg

What is Rosuvastatin?

Rosuvastatin is a prescription statin used to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults and in certain children with familial hypercholesterolemia. It is taken once daily and is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg tablets, allowing clinicians to tailor intensity from moderate to high. Many patients start rosuvastatin after lifestyle steps like diet and exercise have been tried, or alongside them to reach targets faster.

People often compare prices and choose generic rosuvastatin when appropriate. It is common to buy refills online from licensed U.S. pharmacies for convenience, but dosing and monitoring must remain under clinician supervision. Cheap options can be fine when the product lists the correct strength and includes clear patient information.

How It Works

Rosuvastatin inhibits HMG CoA reductase, the rate limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol synthesis. With production reduced, the liver increases LDL receptor expression and pulls more LDL particles out of the bloodstream. The result is a substantial drop in LDL cholesterol, often 45 to 63 percent at higher doses, with additional modest improvements in triglycerides and HDL.

Benefits begin within 1 to 2 weeks and approach full effect by about 4 weeks of steady dosing. Beyond lipid numbers, statins have vascular effects that help stabilize atherosclerotic plaques. Rosuvastatin has minimal CYP3A4 metabolism and is partly transported by OATP1B1 and BCRP, which explains certain drug interaction patterns.

What you may notice day to day

You will not feel the LDL lowering itself, but over months the treatment lowers cardiovascular risk. Simple routines help, such as taking the tablet at the same time daily and keeping a log of doses, diet choices, and activity minutes.

Dosage Information

Dosing is individualized based on baseline LDL, overall cardiovascular risk, age, kidney function, and potential interactions. Tablets are taken once daily, with or without food. Swallow with water and try to choose a consistent time.

• Moderate intensity: 5 mg to 10 mg once daily.
• High intensity: 20 mg to 40 mg once daily for patients who need large LDL reductions or have very high risk.
• Pediatrics (familial hypercholesterolemia): Selected children may start at low doses under specialist care with careful monitoring.

Special situations

• Renal impairment: Lower starting doses may be needed; severe impairment limits the maximum dose.
• Asian ancestry: Higher exposure has been observed; many clinicians start at 5 mg.
• Antacids: Aluminum or magnesium antacids can reduce rosuvastatin levels. If needed, take the antacid at least 2 hours after the statin.

Do not split or crush tablets unless your clinician confirms it is safe for the specific product you have. If you buy tablets online, verify the imprint, strength, and expiration date on arrival.

Side Effects

Most people tolerate rosuvastatin well. Common effects include mild muscle aches, headache, or stomach discomfort that often improve as your routine settles. Lab tests may show small, asymptomatic rises in liver enzymes that usually resolve without stopping therapy.

When to call your clinician

• Muscle symptoms: New, persistent muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine can signal muscle injury. Report promptly, especially after dose increases or when combining with interacting drugs.
• Liver signals: Unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, right upper belly pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes require evaluation.
• Glucose changes: A small increase in blood sugar can occur. People with prediabetes should continue lifestyle steps and periodic checks.

Most side effects are manageable by dose adjustment, switching timing, or addressing interactions. Do not stop suddenly without a plan; discuss options first.

Warnings & Interactions

Do not use rosuvastatin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Active liver disease is a contraindication. Use caution in people with severe kidney impairment or untreated hypothyroidism, as these raise muscle risk. Alcohol excess increases liver and muscle risks; keep intake moderate.

Key interactions

• Cyclosporine: Greatly increases rosuvastatin exposure; combination is generally avoided or limited to very low doses under specialist care.
• Gemfibrozil and other fibrates: Increase myopathy risk. If a triglyceride agent is needed, clinicians often prefer fenofibrate with careful monitoring.
• Protease inhibitors and certain antivirals: Some increase statin levels; dose limits and extra monitoring may apply.
• Warfarin: INR can change at initiation or dose changes; monitor and adjust as needed.
• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: Separate by at least 2 hours after the statin.

Monitoring plan

Baseline lipid panel and liver enzymes are common. Recheck lipids 4 to 12 weeks after starting or changing the dose, then every 3 to 12 months. Ask about a simple adherence plan, nutrition goals, and activity targets. If cost is a barrier, discuss generic rosuvastatin or licensed options to buy refills online. Cheap does not mean unsafe when the pharmacy is licensed and labeling is clear.