Rosuvastatin

GENERIC NAME: ROSUVASTATIN - ORAL (roe-SUE-vuh-stah-tin)

USES
Rosuvastatin is an enzyme blocker (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as a "statin." It is used along with a proper diet to help lower fats (triglycerides) and cholesterol in the blood. This drug is usually prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight). Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides help prevent strokes and heart attacks.

HOW TO USE
Take this medication by mouth usually once daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. It is best to take this drug in the evening. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Many of the drugs (see Drug Interactions section) may increase the chance of muscle injury when used with this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Antacids can decrease the absorption of this drug when taken at the same time. If you are taking an antacid, take it at least 2 hours after rosuvastatin. If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take rosuvastatin at least 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after these medications. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.

SIDE EFFECTS
This drug may infrequently cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to a very serious, possibly fatal, condition called rhabdomyolysis). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, severe nausea, fatigue, change in the amount of urine. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Before taking rosuvastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "statins"; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: active liver disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease, history of liver disease, kidney disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), alcohol use. The rare development of severe muscle damage (see Side Effects) can infrequently lead to serious kidney problems. This medication is usually temporarily stopped if you have any condition which can increase your risk of developing kidney problems. Before stopping your medication, notify your doctor immediately if you have any of the following conditions: major surgery, trauma, serious illness (e.g., sepsis, severe metabolic/endocrine/electrolyte disorders), very low blood pressure, uncontrolled seizures. Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your chance for serious side effects. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially muscle injury. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Women of child-bearing age should use reliable form(s) of birth control (contraception) while taking this medication since it may cause fetal harm. Consult your doctor for more details. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk of undesirable effects on a nursing infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
See also How to Use section. Use caution if the following drugs are combined with rosuvastatin because serious side effects such as muscle injury (myopathy) could infrequently occur: fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate), high-dose niacin (1 gram or more per day), cyclosporine. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antacids, birth control pills, cholestyramine, colestipol, warfarin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. The manufacturer of U.S. products recommends storage between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). The manufacturer of Canadian products recommends storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Note : This product information is intended only for residents of the India. Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, medicines help to treat and prevent a range of conditions—from the most common to the most challenging—for people around the world.