Brits who take a widely prescribed medication are being advised to “stop taking” it should they encounter particular side effects. You should also “call a doctor” if you develop any of these “serious” symptoms.

Individuals in the UK who are prescribed a common medication are being urged to cease its use if they experience certain side effects. In such cases, it’s important to contact a healthcare provider immediately to address any “serious” symptoms that may arise.

Statins are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United Kingdom, with estimates from the British Heart Foundation suggesting that seven to eight million adults are currently taking these medications.

These drugs play a crucial role in lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often labeled as “bad” cholesterol, in the bloodstream. Rosuvastatin is one example of a statin that is widely used for this purpose.

According to the NHS, rosuvastatin functions by targeting the liver to halt cholesterol production. This medication is prescribed for individuals diagnosed with high cholesterol levels.

This medication is only obtainable through prescription. Whilst this indicates that a medical professional considers it appropriate treatment for you, unwanted side effects can still occur.

The NHS clarified that “serious” side effects are “rare” and affect fewer than one in 1,000 individuals. It advised people to “stop taking rosuvastatin and call a doctor or call 111 now” if they encounter any of the following problems.

Muscle pain, tenderness, weakness or cramps

Rosuvastatin is only available with a prescription, indicating that a healthcare professional has determined it to be an appropriate treatment for the patient. However, it is still possible to experience adverse side effects, which necessitates caution and communication with medical providers.

“Tell your doctor about any unexplained muscle aches and pains, tenderness or weakness straight away”

Jaundice

Jaundice is when the whites of your eyes or your skin turns yellow although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin. It can also cause pale poo and dark pee – these can be signs of liver problems.

Severe stomach pain

According to the NHS, this can be a sign of acute pancreatitis.

Cough, shortness of breath and weight loss

These can be signs of lung disease.

Rash

If you get a skin rash with pink-red blotches, especially on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet – this could be a sign of erythema multiforme.

Weakness in your arms or legs

The NHS said if you have a weakness in your arms or legs that gets worse after activity, or if you get double vision, drooping eyelids, problems swallowing or shortness of breath, these can be a sign of myasthenia gravis.

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When to call 999

You should call 999 now or go to A&E if you develop severe breathing or swallowing problems.

Common side effects

These common side effects of rosuvastatin happen in more than one in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Headaches
• Stomach pain
• Feeling weak or dizzy
• Constipation
• Protein in your pee (urine)

The NHS added: “If the advice on how to cope does not help and any of these side effects bother you or do not go away, keep taking the medicine, but tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may recommend trying an alternative statin.”