What is the brand name for Rosuvastatin?
The brand name for Rosuvastatin is Crestor.
PTCE Top 200 · #12
Rosuvastatin
Crestor
Rosuvastatin is the generic name for the brand-name drug Crestor. It is a statin (hmg-coa reductase inhibitor) used to treat high cholesterol. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Rosuvastatin ranks #12 and is one of the most frequently tested cardiovascular medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Rosuvastatin |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Crestor |
| Drug class | Statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) |
| Class group | Cardiovascular |
| Common use | high cholesterol |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Rosuvastatin used for?
Statin used with diet to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides; also used in select patients to reduce cardiovascular risk.
What drug class is Rosuvastatin?
Rosuvastatin is a Statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) in the Cardiovascular group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Rosuvastatin
- arrow_rightMuscle pain (myalgia)
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightAbdominal pain
- arrow_rightWeakness
Major interactions
- arrow_rightCyclosporine markedly increases rosuvastatin levels (dose limits/avoid)
- arrow_rightGemfibrozil and some protease inhibitors increase myopathy risk
- arrow_rightWarfarin: monitor INR when starting/stopping
- arrow_rightAntacids with aluminum/magnesium can reduce absorption (separate dosing)
Is Rosuvastatin a controlled substance?
No. Rosuvastatin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Rosuvastatin (PTCE mnemonic)
CRESTor CRESTs the LDL drop — rosuva-STATIN is the strongest statin. Muscle aches + LFTs; fewer CYP interactions than simvastatin.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Crestor = rosuvastatin, a high-intensity statin like atorvastatin. Expect a brand↔generic match and muscle-pain (myalgia) counseling questions.
Rosuvastatin FAQ
What is Rosuvastatin used for?
Rosuvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol. Statin used with diet to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides; also used in select patients to reduce cardiovascular risk.
What drug class is Rosuvastatin?
Rosuvastatin is a Statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) (Cardiovascular group).
Is Rosuvastatin a controlled substance?
No. Rosuvastatin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Cardiovascular group
Drill Rosuvastatin the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).