Does Rosuvastatin Cause Kidney Problems: Statin drugs are used extensively around the world to reduce cholesterol and protect the heart. One of these is Rosuvastatin, which is considered quite effective. But now a new research has raised an important concern regarding this medicine, which is related to the kidneys. Let us tell you what this concern is and how much effect it will have on your kidneys.
What is the problem with this?
In this study conducted by researchers from America’s Johns Hopkins University, an attempt was made to understand in detail the effect of rosuvastatin on the kidneys. In fact, when this drug was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, initial tests showed kidney-related signs in some patients, such as blood in the urine and protein in the urine. These signs mean that the kidneys are not functioning properly. However, after the use of the medicine, not much research was done on it on a large scale for a long time. In such a situation, this new study tried to fill this gap.
What was the result?
In this research, health records of more than 9 lakh people were analyzed. Of these, about 1.5 lakh people were taking rosuvastatin, while about 8 lakh people were using another statin drug, atorvastatin. The kidney health of all these patients was monitored for three years. The results of the study were shocking. About 2.9 percent of people taking rosuvastatin had blood in their urine, while 1 percent had problems with protein excretion through urine. When compared to those taking atorvastatin, this risk was higher in those taking rosuvastatin.
Read this also – Side Effects Of Birth Control Pills: Do pregnancy prevention medicines cause cancer, know how true is this?
What are the risks?
According to research, the risk of hematuria was 8 percent higher and the risk of proteinuria was 17 percent higher in those taking rosuvastatin. Not only this, the risk of severe kidney failure was also seen to be about 15 percent higher, which may require dialysis or kidney transplant. The most worrying thing was that as the dose of the medicine was increased, the risk also increased. That is, more kidney related problems were seen in patients taking high amounts of rosuvastatin.
Not only this, the study also revealed that patients whose kidneys were already weak were often being given higher doses of this medicine, which is against the recommendations of the US Food and Drug Administration. Interestingly, both rosuvastatin and atorvastatin were found to be equally effective in terms of heart protection. That means both medicines work equally in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Read this also- Vitamin Side Effects: Be careful! Taking this vitamin without medical advice may prove costly and may cause loss of eyesight.
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator