Key Facts
- Drug Class
- HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
- Prescription
- Required
- NAFDAC Status
- NAFDAC Registered
- Forms
- Tablet
- Online price
- ~₦13,500see prices
What is Rosuvastatin?
Rosuvastatin is one of the most potent statins available — the strongest cholesterol lowering of the commonly used members of the class per milligram — and it is increasingly prescribed in Nigeria for people who need to bring high cholesterol down aggressively or who have not reached their target on another statin. It is sold as the original brand Crestor (AstraZeneca) and as more affordable generics such as Rosuvas and Rozat.
Like all statins, rosuvastatin blocks HMG-CoA reductase, the liver enzyme that makes cholesterol. The result is a large fall in 'bad' LDL cholesterol and a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke. Two features make rosuvastatin distinctive: it is very potent, so lower doses achieve what larger doses of other statins would; and because of how the body handles it, it interacts with fewer other medicines than atorvastatin or simvastatin — a real advantage for people already taking several drugs, which is common in older Nigerians with diabetes and high blood pressure.
Rosuvastatin is taken once daily at any time of day and is intended for long-term use. It is generally well tolerated, though — as with every statin — some people experience muscle aches. At the highest 40mg dose it is used more cautiously, particularly in people of Asian background, in whom blood levels tend to run higher. Genuine rosuvastatin brands in Nigeria should carry a NAFDAC registration number, which is worth checking given the higher price of the imported brand.
What is Rosuvastatin used for?
In Nigeria, Rosuvastatin is commonly used for:
- Lowering high LDL ('bad') cholesterol and total cholesterol, especially when strong lowering is required
- Reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke in people at high cardiovascular risk
- Secondary prevention after a heart attack, stroke, or angina
- Cholesterol control in people who have not reached target, or had side effects, on another statin
- A preferred statin for some people on multiple medicines, because it has fewer drug interactions
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
The usual starting dose is 5mg or 10mg once daily, taken at any time of day with or without food. The dose may be increased after about four weeks to 20mg, and in some cases to a maximum of 40mg once daily — the 40mg dose is reserved for people at high risk who have not reached target and is started only under specialist advice. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
Children
Rosuvastatin is used in children only for inherited high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolaemia) and only under specialist supervision. It is not used for ordinary cholesterol control in children.
Elderly
Standard doses are used, but doctors often start at 5mg in older adults and in people of Asian background, in whom blood levels tend to be higher, and increase cautiously.
Take rosuvastatin every day for its long-term benefit; you will not feel it working. Do not stop because a cholesterol result has improved — the result is good because the medicine is working. If you take an antacid containing aluminium or magnesium, take it at least two hours after rosuvastatin. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless your next dose is near, in which case skip it — do not double up.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Muscle aches or weakness (myalgia) — usually mild; report unusual or persistent pain rather than stopping on your own
- •Headache
- •Nausea, abdominal pain, or constipation
- •Dizziness
- •Mildly raised blood sugar, and a small increase in the risk of developing type-2 diabetes in predisposed people
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Severe, unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness — especially with dark or cola-coloured urine and fever — which may signal rare but serious muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis); stop and seek urgent care
- Signs of liver problems: persistent nausea, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or dark urine
- Protein in the urine or reduced kidney function, seen mainly at the 40mg dose
- Severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing
When to see a doctor
See your doctor promptly if you develop muscle pain or weakness that is unusual, widespread, or persistent, particularly with dark urine or fever. Seek emergency care for facial or throat swelling or difficulty breathing. Mild aches do not always mean you must stop — your doctor may check a blood test, adjust the dose, or switch statins. Because the 40mg dose carries a higher risk, report any new symptoms promptly if you are on it.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Rosuvastatin if you have:
- Do not take rosuvastatin if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- Do not use if you have active liver disease or persistently raised liver enzymes
- Do not use the 40mg dose if you have significant kidney impairment or risk factors for muscle problems
- Do not take if you are allergic to rosuvastatin or any other statin
Drug interactions
- •Ciclosporin greatly increases rosuvastatin levels and should not be combined without specialist supervision
- •Certain HIV medicines and some antivirals can raise rosuvastatin levels
- •Fibrates (especially gemfibrozil) and high-dose niacin increase the risk of muscle problems
- •Warfarin — rosuvastatin can increase the blood-thinning effect; INR should be monitored when starting or changing the dose
- •Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium reduce absorption; separate the doses by at least two hours
- •Rosuvastatin interacts with fewer drugs than atorvastatin or simvastatin, and is not significantly affected by grapefruit juice
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Rosuvastatin is contraindicated in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Statins block the cholesterol production a developing baby needs, so they must not be used in pregnancy. Women who could become pregnant should use reliable contraception while on rosuvastatin and stop it, informing their doctor, if they plan to conceive or find they are pregnant. It should not be used while breastfeeding.
Brands of Rosuvastatin in Nigeria
The NAFDAC registry holds 40 Rosuvastatin products from 24 manufacturers, including combination products and older listings whose status you can check in the full list. Below are some of the most common brands — see the full, searchable list for all of them.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crestor | AstraZeneca | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | Tablet |
| Rosuvas | Sun Pharma | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | Tablet |
| Rozat | Micro Labs | 10mg, 20mg | Tablet |
| Rosuvastatin | Various generic manufacturers | 10mg, 20mg | Tablet |
How to Verify Your Rosuvastatin is Genuine
- 1Check the NAFDAC registration number on the pack — all genuine rosuvastatin brands sold in Nigeria must carry a valid NAFDAC number
- 2Verify the NAFDAC number using the NAFDAC Green Book or the NAFDAC mobile app before buying, especially for the imported brand Crestor
- 3Buy only from licensed pharmacies and registered outlets — the higher price of rosuvastatin makes it a target for counterfeiters
- 4Check the expiry date and that the packaging is sealed, intact, and shows no signs of tampering
- 5Genuine tablets should be uniform in size, shape, and colour; discard any that look irregular or discoloured
- 6For Crestor, look for AstraZeneca branding and security features; for generics such as Rosuvas (Sun Pharma) or Rozat (Micro Labs), check the manufacturer name and batch number
Rosuvastatin Price in Nigeria
As of July 2026, Rosuvastatin sells for about ₦13,500 online in Nigeria (₦5,700–₦40,250) across HealthPlus and MedPlus. The online price is roughly unchanged since July 2026. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.
Online retail (sampled)
HealthPlus + MedPlus₦5,700 – ₦40,250median ₦13,500
From 9 listings across HealthPlus + MedPlus — brands and pack sizes vary · updated July 2026.
Price trend since July 2026
Median online price ₦13,500 → ₦13,500 (+0.0%) over 2 monthly checks.
Sampled monthly from Nigerian online pharmacies. Full market picture: Nigerian Medicine Price Index.
Where to Buy
Purchase Rosuvastatin only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Before you buy, verify the product's NAFDAC registration and check the current online prices above so you know a fair price before you pay.
Buying Rosuvastatin in bulk or for resale? Our guide on how to buy medicines in bulk in Nigeria safely covers verifying a supplier and spotting fakes before a large order.
Need Rosuvastatin in bulk, or can't find it near you?
Tell us what you need and we'll connect you with a verified, NAFDAC-registered source.
Related Resources for Rosuvastatin
Guides, articles, and tools related to Rosuvastatin and other cholesterol medicines in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — the official database of all products registered with Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Brand-level NAFDAC numbers for Rosuvastatin on this page were cross-referenced against the Greenbook.
- •British National Formulary (BNF) dosing and interaction guidance for Rosuvastatin.
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health).