Rosuvastatin, marketed commonly under names such as Crestor, is a medication belonging to the class of drugs known as statins. It is primarily used to lower high levels of cholesterol and other fats (lipids) in the blood. By reducing these substances, rosuvastatin helps to decrease the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Rosuvastatin is often prescribed in conjunction with lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, to optimize its effects. The medication is available as an oral tablet and is considered a potent statin (Mayo Clinic). It is a prescription-only medication, meaning its use must be directed and monitored by a licensed healthcare provider.
Rosuvastatin was approved for medical use in the United States in 2003 (FDA label). It works by targeting a key step in cholesterol production within the liver. The benefits of rosuvastatin extend beyond just lipid lowering; it also has a role in managing conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia and can be used in certain individuals without established cardiovascular disease but who are at increased risk. The decision to initiate rosuvastatin therapy and the appropriate dosage is highly individualized and determined by a clinician based on a patient's overall cardiovascular risk profile and specific lipid levels (FDA label).
Deep dive
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Known interactions
Category rule: supplement × medication
Note
Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).
Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.
Category rule: vitamin × medication
Note
Certain vitamins interact with specific medications (e.g., vitamin K with blood thinners).
Specific pairs are checked against a licensed source; confirm with your provider.
Compound-pair rule
Caution
Berberine inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, raising statin levels and myopathy risk.
Separate dosing and monitor for muscle pain; consider lower statin dose.
Compound-pair rule
Caution
Berberine inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, raising statin levels and myopathy risk.
Separate dosing and monitor for muscle pain.
Compound-pair rule
Synergy
Statins block CoQ10 biosynthesis via the mevalonate pathway; supplementing may reduce muscle symptoms.
Consider 100–200 mg CoQ10 daily while on a statin.
Compound-pair rule
Synergy
Statins deplete CoQ10; ubiquinol replenishes it.
Consider 100 mg ubiquinol daily.
Frequently asked
Sources referenced
* Cochrane Review
* DrugBank
* Examine.com
* FDA label (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
* Mayo Clinic
* MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)
* NIH NLM (National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine)
* PubChem
Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.
Related compounds
Others in the medication category or studied for the same goals.
