The Basics
What is Rosuvastatin?
Used along with a proper diet to help lower bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood.
Brand names for Rosuvastatin
Crestor
How Rosuvastatin is classified
Anticholesteremic Agents, Antilipemic Agents, Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Rosuvastatin During Pregnancy
Rosuvastatin pregnancy category
Category XNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Rosuvastatin while pregnant
N/A
Taking Rosuvastatin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Rosuvastatin?
Levels of rosuvastatin in milk are low, but no relevant published information exists with its use during breastfeeding. The consensus opinion is that women taking a statin should not breastfeed because of a concern with disruption of infant lipid metabolism. However, others have argued that children homozygous for familial hypercholesterolemia are treated with statins beginning at 1 year of age, that statins have low oral bioavailability, and risks to the breastfed infant are low, especially with rosuvastatin and pravastatin.[1] Until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Levels of rosuvastatin in milk are low, but no relevant published information exists with its use during breastfeeding. The consensus opinion is that women taking a statin should not breastfeed because of a concern with disruption of infant lipid metabolism. However, others have argued that children homozygous for familial hypercholesterolemia are treated with statins beginning at 1 year of age, that statins have low oral bioavailability, and risks to the breastfed infant are low, especially with rosuvastatin and pravastatin.[1] Until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Rosuvastatin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Rosuvastatin
Cholestyramine, Colesevelam, Colestipol.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Holmsen ST, Bakkebo T, Seferowicz M et al. Statins and breastfeeding in familial hypercholesterolaemia. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2017;137:686-7. PMID: 28551957
2. Schutte AE, Symington EA, du Preez JL. Rosuvastatin is transferred into human breast milk: a case report. Am J Med. 2013;126:e7-8. PMID: 23968910
3. Lwin EMP, Leggett C, Ritchie U et al. Transfer of rosuvastatin into breast milk: Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methodology and clinical recommendations. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2018;12:3645-51. PMID: 30464396
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
