Rosuvastatin: Uses, Precautions, and Online Resources for Patients

Could you please provide the content you would like me to translate

Rosuvastatin 10 mg/tablet is used to treat high cholesterol and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
When taking this medication, it is important to be aware of the following precautions:
1.
Monitor liver function tests regularly, as rosuvastatin can affect liver enzymes.
2.
Be cautious if you have a history of liver disease, kidney problems, or if you consume large amounts of alcohol.
3.
Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.
4.
Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, as this may indicate a rare but serious side effect called rhabdomyolysis.
In addition to online drug databases, other resources for the public to check medication usage, treatment indications, and side effects include:
1.
The U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.
2.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) MedlinePlus website.
3.
The American Heart Association (AHA) website.
4.
The Mayo Clinic website.
Thank you!

Xing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/11/01

Dr. Huang Yicheng reply Pharmacology

Rosuvastatin, marketed under the brand name Crestor, is a lipid-lowering medication.
It has been available in the United States for just over two years and is currently under clinical surveillance.
In Taiwan, it is considered a new drug, and physicians typically prescribe it when other statins have resulted in adverse effects or are less effective.
The main rare side effects include severe muscle damage and kidney impairment, so liver and kidney function should be monitored during use.
Patients over 65 years old, those with hypothyroidism, and individuals with impaired renal function are at a higher risk of muscle disorders when using statins and should be closely monitored for side effects.
The incidence of side effects increases with higher dosages.
The U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends an initial dose of 5 mg per day for Asians (2.5 mg or lower in Japan), while the maximum dose for patients with renal impairment or those concurrently using the lipid-lowering agent gemfibrozil is 10 mg per day.
To reduce the risk of muscle disorders and rhabdomyolysis, patients who do not require aggressive cholesterol reduction or have risk factors for myopathy, such as those concurrently using cyclosporine, Asians, and individuals with renal insufficiency, should be used with caution or at reduced doses.
If any symptoms such as muscle pain, fatigue, fever, dark urine, or nausea and vomiting occur, patients should immediately inform their healthcare providers.
The general Chinese-language pharmacopoeia in Taiwan has not yet included this medication, but information can be referenced from http://www.rxlist.com, and Chinese translations can be accessed using Yahoo's translation service at http://tw.search.yahoo.com/language/.

Reply Date: 2005/11/01

More Info

Rosuvastatin, commonly known by its brand name Crestor, is a medication primarily used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs known as statins, which work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver responsible for producing cholesterol. By reducing cholesterol levels, Rosuvastatin helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, particularly in individuals with risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

Uses of Rosuvastatin
Rosuvastatin is primarily prescribed for the following conditions:
1. Hyperlipidemia: It is effective in lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as "good" cholesterol.

2. Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: It is used in patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

3. Familial Hypercholesterolemia: This is a genetic condition that results in extremely high cholesterol levels, and Rosuvastatin can help manage this condition effectively.

Precautions When Taking Rosuvastatin
While Rosuvastatin is generally well-tolerated, there are several important precautions to consider:
1. Liver Function Monitoring: Regular monitoring of liver enzymes is recommended, as statins can affect liver function. If liver enzyme levels become significantly elevated, discontinuation of the medication may be necessary.

2. Kidney Function: Patients with pre-existing kidney conditions should use Rosuvastatin with caution, as it can potentially worsen kidney function.

3. Muscle Pain and Weakness: One of the rare but serious side effects of statins, including Rosuvastatin, is rhabdomyolysis, a condition characterized by severe muscle pain and weakness. Patients should report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to their healthcare provider immediately.

4. Drug Interactions: Rosuvastatin can interact with other medications, including certain blood thinners and other cholesterol-lowering drugs. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.

5. Age and Ethnicity Considerations: Older adults and individuals of Asian descent may be more susceptible to side effects and may require lower doses.

Online Resources for Medication Information
If you are unable to find information about Rosuvastatin on your hospital's online drug reference, there are several reputable websites where you can find comprehensive information about medications, including their uses, side effects, and precautions:
1. RxList (www.rxlist.com): This site provides detailed information on various medications, including their uses, side effects, and interactions.

2. Drugs.com (www.drugs.com): A comprehensive resource for drug information, including user reviews and interactions.

3. MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov): A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, offering reliable information about drugs, including their uses and side effects.

4. FDA (www.fda.gov): The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides information on approved medications, including safety information and updates.

5. WebMD (www.webmd.com): This site offers a wealth of information on health topics, including medications, their uses, and potential side effects.

Conclusion
In summary, Rosuvastatin is an effective medication for managing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, it is crucial to be aware of potential side effects and to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any concerns. Utilizing reputable online resources can help you stay informed about your medications and ensure safe usage. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.

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