From the Guidelines
Rosuvastatin can cause constipation as a side effect, although the provided evidence does not directly support this claim, and therefore, the management of constipation should follow general guidelines for its treatment. The management of constipation typically involves dietary changes, including an adequate intake of fibre and fluid, and the use of bulk forming laxatives such as unprocessed wheat bran or oat bran, as well as methylcellulose, ispaghula, and sterculia 1. If constipation persists, osmotic laxatives like macrogols, lactulose, or magnesium salts can be used to increase the amount of water in the large bowel, and stimulant laxatives can be added if there is an inadequate response to an osmotic laxative 1. Some key points to consider in the management of constipation include:
- Ensuring adequate fluid and fibre intake
- Using bulk forming laxatives as first-line treatment
- Considering osmotic laxatives for persistent constipation
- Avoiding excessive use of stimulant laxatives to prevent diarrhoea and hypokalaemia
- Consulting a healthcare provider for persistent or severe constipation, as they may recommend adjustments to medication or alternative treatments. It is essential to note that while rosuvastatin may contribute to constipation, the provided evidence does not directly address this relationship, and therefore, general guidelines for constipation management should be followed 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The most common side effects may include headache, nausea, muscle aches and pains, weakness, and constipation. Adverse ReactionsPlacebo N=382% Rosuvastatin 5 mg N=291% Rosuvastatin 10 mg N=283% Rosuvastatin 20 mg N=64% Rosuvastatin 40 mg N=106% Total Rosuvastatin 5 mg to 40 mg N=744% ... Constipation2.42.12.14.72.82.4 Adverse ReactionsPlacebo N=281% Rosuvastatin 40 mg N=700% ... Constipation3.03.3 Adverse ReactionsPlacebo N=8901% Rosuvastatin 20 mg N=8901% ... Constipation3.03.3
Constipation is a possible side effect of Rosuvastatin. It has been reported in clinical studies with a frequency of 2.4% to 4.7% in patients taking Rosuvastatin compared to 2.4% to 3.0% in patients taking placebo 2 2.
From the Research
Rosuvastatin and Constipation
- Rosuvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The medication has been studied for its efficacy and safety in various populations, including those with normal LDL-C levels and elevated hsCRP levels 3.
- In the JUPITER trial, rosuvastatin was found to be well-tolerated, with most adverse events being mild to moderate in severity 3.
- Commonly occurring treatment-related adverse events included myalgia, arthralgia, constipation, and nausea 3.
- The incidence of constipation as a treatment-related adverse event was noted in the JUPITER trial, but the exact frequency was not specified 3.
- Other studies have also reported adverse events associated with rosuvastatin, but constipation was not consistently highlighted as a major concern 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Overall, while constipation has been reported as a potential adverse event associated with rosuvastatin, the available evidence does not suggest that it is a common or major side effect of the medication 3.