# Rosuvastatin in Nigeria

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/rosuvastatin/
- Drug class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) (Cholesterol)
- Also known as: Crestor, Rosuvas, Rozat
- Prescription required: yes
- Last updated: September 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of September 2026, Rosuvastatin tablets sells for about ₦904 per tablet online in Nigeria (packs ₦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.

## 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?

- 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

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- 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: 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 (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

Do not take if: 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.

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 in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Crestor (AstraZeneca, made in United Kingdom); Rozat (Micro Labs, made in India); Turbovas (Micro Nova Pharmaceuticals Ind Ltd, made in India).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/rosuvastatin/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check the NAFDAC registration number on the pack — all genuine rosuvastatin brands sold in Nigeria must carry a valid NAFDAC number
2. Verify the NAFDAC number using the NAFDAC Green Book or the NAFDAC mobile app before buying, especially for the imported brand Crestor
3. Buy only from licensed pharmacies and registered outlets — the higher price of rosuvastatin makes it a target for counterfeiters
4. Check the expiry date and that the packaging is sealed, intact, and shows no signs of tampering
5. Genuine tablets should be uniform in size, shape, and colour; discard any that look irregular or discoloured
6. For 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

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### Is rosuvastatin stronger than atorvastatin?

Yes, milligram for milligram rosuvastatin is the most potent of the commonly used statins — for example, rosuvastatin 10mg lowers LDL cholesterol roughly as much as atorvastatin 20mg. That is why it is often chosen when someone needs a big reduction in cholesterol or has not reached target on another statin. It also interacts with fewer other medicines. 'Stronger' is not automatically 'better', though — the right statin and dose depend on how much lowering you need, your other drugs, and cost, which your doctor will weigh up.

### Can I take rosuvastatin at any time of day?

Yes. Unlike simvastatin, which works best taken at night, rosuvastatin can be taken at any time of day because it stays active in the body for a long time. Pick a time you will remember consistently and stick to it. If you take an antacid, leave at least two hours between it and your rosuvastatin dose, as antacids can reduce how much is absorbed.

### What is the difference between rosuvastatin and simvastatin?

Both are statins, but they differ in strength and interactions. Rosuvastatin is much more potent, can be taken any time of day, interacts with fewer medicines, and is not affected by grapefruit — but it costs more. Simvastatin is older and cheaper, must be taken at night, and interacts with several common drugs including amlodipine (a blood pressure medicine very widely used in Nigeria) and grapefruit juice, which cap its safe dose. Doctors often prefer rosuvastatin or atorvastatin when strong lowering or fewer interactions matter, and simvastatin when cost is the priority and the dose can stay modest.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)