The National Health Service has issued a vital safety alert for Britons prescribed the common cholesterol-lowering medication rosuvastatin, advising patients to stop taking the drug immediately and seek urgent medical advice if they experience certain serious side effects.
Widespread Use of Statins in the UK
Statins rank among the most frequently prescribed medications across the United Kingdom. According to data from the British Heart Foundation, an estimated seven to eight million adults in the UK currently take these drugs to manage cardiovascular health.
Rosuvastatin functions by inhibiting cholesterol production in the liver, effectively reducing levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol in the bloodstream. The NHS typically prescribes this medication for patients diagnosed with high blood cholesterol, as well as for preventing heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Doctors may also recommend rosuvastatin for individuals with diabetes, kidney disease, or a family history of rheumatoid arthritis or heart conditions.
Recognising Serious Side Effects
While rosuvastatin remains a prescription-only medication, meaning a healthcare professional has determined it appropriate for the patient, it can still provoke adverse reactions. The NHS emphasises that serious side effects are rare, occurring in fewer than one in 1,000 users. However, should any of the following symptoms manifest, patients must discontinue use and contact a doctor or call 111 without delay.
- Muscle Issues: Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or cramps may indicate muscle breakdown and potential kidney damage, which can develop weeks or months after beginning treatment.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (though less noticeable on darker skin tones), accompanied by pale stools and dark urine, could signal liver problems.
- Severe Abdominal Pain: This may be a symptom of acute pancreatitis.
- Respiratory Symptoms: A persistent cough, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss might indicate lung disease.
- Skin Reactions: A rash featuring pink-red blotches, particularly on the palms or soles, could suggest erythema multiforme.
- Neurological Weakness: Worsening weakness in the arms or legs after activity, double vision, drooping eyelids, swallowing difficulties, or breathlessness may be signs of myasthenia gravis.
When to Seek Emergency Care
The NHS advises patients to call 999 or visit A&E immediately if they experience severe breathing or swallowing difficulties while taking rosuvastatin.
Managing Common Side Effects
More frequent side effects, occurring in over one in 100 people, include nausea, headaches, stomach pain, weakness, dizziness, constipation, and protein in the urine. The NHS recommends consulting a doctor or pharmacist if these symptoms persist or become bothersome, as they may suggest trying an alternative statin while continuing the medication in the interim.
This updated guidance underscores the importance of monitoring for adverse reactions even with commonly prescribed medications, ensuring patient safety remains paramount within the UK's healthcare framework.
