Statin (Cholesterol-lowering medicine)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Rosuvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medicine that works by blocking an enzyme in your liver that produces cholesterol, helping to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol and fats in your blood while increasing good cholesterol.
Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, thereby reducing hepatic cholesterol production and increasing LDL receptor expression on liver cells to enhance clearance of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Take one tablet once daily, at the same time each day. You can take it with or without food. Most people start with 5 mg or 10 mg once daily, and the doctor may increase it based on your cholesterol levels. Swallow the tablet whole with water. You can take it morning or night — just be consistent.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for it.
Only buy from licensed pharmacies — brands like Crestor, Lipiros, Lowator, Auritz, and Eliora are available in Nigeria, so look out for these. This is a long-term medicine, so do not stop taking it because you feel fine — high cholesterol has no symptoms but can cause heart attack or stroke. Do not share your prescription with others even if they have similar complaints.
Avoid taking rosuvastatin with antacids containing aluminium or magnesium — if you need antacids, take them at least 2 hours after rosuvastatin. Tell your doctor if you are taking blood thinners like warfarin, as rosuvastatin can increase the risk of bleeding. Limit alcohol intake, as combining it with rosuvastatin puts extra strain on your liver.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Rosuvastatin with your other drugs?
Rosuvastatin is NOT safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — it can harm the unborn baby, so stop taking it and see your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near windows. Keep the tablets in their original packaging and far from the reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Rosuvastatin?
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