Rosuvastatin

Rosuvastatin, sold under the brand name Crestor among others, is a statin medication, used to prevent cardiovascular disease in those at high risk and treat dyslipidemia or hyperlipidemia. It is recommended to be used with dietary changes, exercise, and weight loss. It is taken orally (by mouth). Common side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, headaches, and muscle pains. Serious side effects may include rhabdomyolysis, liver problems, and diabetes. Use during pregnancy may harm the baby. Like all statins, rosuvastatin works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme found in the liver that plays a role in producing cholesterol. Rosuvastatin was patented in 1991 and approved for medical use in the United States in 2003. It is available as a generic medication. In 2023, it was the twelfth most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 42 million prescriptions. In Australia, it was the most prescribed medication in 2023.