Side effects of rosuvas
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Side Effects of Rosuvastatin: A Comprehensive Overview
Common Side Effects: Myalgia, Constipation, and Nausea
Rosuvastatin, a widely prescribed statin, is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. The most commonly reported adverse effects include myalgia (muscle pain), constipation, and nausea. These side effects are typically mild to moderate in severity and transient in nature .
Less Common Side Effects: Dizziness and Pruritus
In some cases, patients may experience less common side effects such as dizziness and pruritus (itchiness). A case report highlighted a 48-year-old woman who developed dizziness and pruritus within two weeks of starting rosuvastatin. These symptoms resolved after discontinuing the medication, suggesting a direct link to rosuvastatin.
Myopathy and Muscle-Related Issues
Myopathy, a condition characterized by muscle weakness and pain, is a known side effect of statins, including rosuvastatin. Experimental studies in rats have shown that rosuvastatin can cause a rise in creatine kinase (CK) levels, slight increases in myoglobin, and mild muscle necrosis. However, these effects were less severe compared to atorvastatin, another commonly used statin. Clinical trials have also reported myalgia and muscle weakness, but these occurrences are relatively rare and usually mild.
Renal Safety: Impairment and Failure
Concerns about renal safety have been raised with intensive cholesterol-lowering treatments. A retrospective analysis of 40,600 participants found that rosuvastatin did not significantly increase the risk of renal impairment or renal failure in patients without pre-existing advanced renal disease. The rates of renal adverse events were similar between rosuvastatin and placebo groups.
Hepatic Effects: Liver Enzyme Elevations
While liver-related adverse events are a concern with statin therapy, rosuvastatin has shown a low incidence of significant liver enzyme elevations. In clinical trials, very few patients experienced elevations in serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels or treatment-related myopathy.
Oxidative Stress and Diabetic Neuropathy
In patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic polyneuropathy, rosuvastatin has been shown to reduce lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, a marker of oxidative stress. However, it did not significantly affect nitric oxide (NO) levels or improve nerve conduction studies (NCS) and neuropathic symptom scores.
Conclusion
Rosuvastatin is an effective statin for lowering cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk, but it can cause side effects ranging from common issues like myalgia, constipation, and nausea to less common symptoms such as dizziness and pruritus. While it has a relatively favorable safety profile, monitoring for muscle-related issues and renal function is advisable, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions. Overall, rosuvastatin remains a valuable option in the management of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk reduction.
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