english.prescrire.org > Spotlight > Archives : 2006 > Cholesterol: watch out for the adverse effects of rosuvastatin

Spotlight: Archives

Every month, the subjects in Prescrire’s Spotlight.

2006 : 1 | 30 | 60

Cholesterol: watch out for the adverse effects
of rosuvastatin

A review of the adverse effects of rosuvastatin shows that this drug has given rise to more reports of adverse effects on the kidneys and muscles than other, currently available drugs in the same class.

On sale since 2004, rosuvastatin is a drug used to treat high cholesterol. It belongs to the statin family, known to be associated with particular muscular risks (rhabdomyolysis).

Cerivastatin was withdrawn from the market in 2001 because it caused serious muscular disorders. When rosuvastatin went on sale, it seemed to cause adverse muscular effects similar to those observed in other statins, with uncertainties as to its adverse effects on the kidneys. A recent review of adverse effects reported by the FDA (the US drug regulatory body), revealed a higher level of reporting of adverse kidney and muscular effects with rosuvastatin than with other statins currently on the market. The European and US agencies have issued warnings, unfortunately without publishing the data on which these are based.

It is better to keep to the drugs in the same family that have been more thoroughly clinically evaluated, simvastatin and pravastatin.

©Prescrire July 2006

Source: "Rosuvastatine : risque rénal et rhabdomyolyses" Rev Prescrire 2006 ; 26 (274) : 504-505. - More articles in Prescrire's "Spotlight"...