Rosuvastatin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 4, 2023.

Applies to rosuvastatin: oral capsule, oral tablet.

Serious side effects of rosuvastatin

Along with its needed effects, rosuvastatin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking rosuvastatin:

More common side effects

• difficulty in moving
• joint pain or swelling
• muscle pain, cramps, spasms, or stiffness

Less common side effects

• blurred vision
• chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• dry mouth
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• flushed, dry skin
• fruit-like breath odor
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• loss of consciousness
• muscle tension or tightness
• nausea
• slow heartbeat
• stomachache
• sweating
• trouble breathing
• unexplained weight loss
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Rare side effects

• dark urine
• fever

Incidence not known

• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• bloating
• bloody urine
• chest tightness
• chills
• clay-colored stools
• constipation
• cough
• general feeling of tiredness or weakness
• headache
• hives, itching, skin rash
• hoarseness
• indigestion
• irritation
• joint swelling
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
• light-colored stools
• loss of appetite
• muscle tenderness, wasting, or weakness
• pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• redness of the skin
• stomach pain, continuing
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• trouble swallowing
• unpleasant breath odor
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• upper right abdominal or stomach pain
• vomiting of blood
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of rosuvastatin

Some side effects of rosuvastatin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• body aches or pain
• congestion
• dry or sore throat
• runny nose
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• voice changes

Less common side effects

• accidental injury
• accumulation of pus, swollen, red, or tender area of infection near a tooth
• arm, back, or jaw pain
• belching
• bladder pain
• burning feeling in the chest or stomach
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• diarrhea
• discouragement
• dizziness
• excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
• excessive muscle tone
• fear
• feeling faint
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• feeling of warmth or heat
• feeling sad or empty
• flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• heartburn
• lack of appetite
• lack or loss of strength
• lightheadedness
• loss of interest or pleasure
• neck pain
• nerve pain
• nervousness
• pain or swelling in the arms or legs without any injury
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• passing gas
• pounding in the ears
• sensation of spinning
• shivering
• sneezing
• stomach discomfort, tenderness, or upset
• stuffy nose
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping

Incidence not known

• confusion
• forgetfulness
• memory loss
• nightmares
• swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
• unsteadiness or awkwardness
• weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

For healthcare professionals

Applies to rosuvastatin: oral capsule, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported side effects included headache, myalgia, abdominal pain, asthenia, and nausea.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Myalgia (up to 12.7%), arthralgia (10.1%)
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, myositis
• Frequency not reported: Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, tendon disorders, creatine phosphokinase increased^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, nausea, constipation
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Pancreatitis
• Frequency not reported: Diarrhea^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Polyneuropathy, memory loss
• Postmarketing reports: Cognitive impairment, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, peripheral neuropathy^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hepatic transaminases/enzymes increased
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Jaundice, hepatitis
• Frequency not reported: Bilirubin increased
• Postmarketing reports: Fatal hepatic failure, nonfatal hepatic failure^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, pruritus, urticaria
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Angioedema
• Frequency not reported: Stevens-Johnson syndrome^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Acute renal failure^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hematuria
• Frequency not reported: Proteinuria, myoglobinuria, sexual dysfunction^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia
• Frequency not reported: Edema, glutamyl transpeptidase increased, alkaline phosphatase increased^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Cough, dyspnea, interstitial lung disease^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Confusion, depression, insomnia, nightmares, sleep disorders/disturbances^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Gynecomastia
• Frequency not reported: Thyroid function abnormalities^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Diabetes mellitus
• Frequency not reported: Glucose elevated, HbA1c increased^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypersensitivity reaction^[Ref]

Further information

Rosuvastatin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer