What You Should Know About Roszet Side Effects

Every medication comes with potential side effects, and Roszet is no exception. Understanding what to expect — and what warrants a call to your doctor — can help you feel more confident about your treatment and catch problems early.

Roszet is a combination cholesterol medication that contains two active ingredients: Ezetimibe (a cholesterol absorption inhibitor) and Rosuvastatin (a statin). Because it combines two drugs, you may experience side effects associated with either or both components.

This guide covers the most common side effects, the serious ones to watch for, and practical tips for managing them.

What Is Roszet?

Roszet is a prescription tablet used to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL ("good") cholesterol. It's prescribed for adults with primary hyperlipidemia and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). For a full overview of how Roszet works, see our guide on what Roszet is and how it's used.

Roszet comes in four strengths, all containing Ezetimibe 10 mg combined with Rosuvastatin at doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg. The higher the Rosuvastatin dose, the more likely you are to experience dose-related side effects.

Common Side Effects

Most people who take Roszet tolerate it well, but some experience mild side effects, especially in the first few weeks. These are the most frequently reported:

• Headache — One of the most common complaints. Usually mild and improves over time.
• Muscle pain (myalgia) — Affects roughly 5-10% of statin users. May feel like soreness, stiffness, or weakness in your muscles.
• Joint pain (arthralgia) — Can occur in any joint but is often noticed in the knees, hips, or hands.
• Nausea — Mild stomach upset is common when starting the medication.
• Dizziness — Usually temporary and may improve within a few days.
• Constipation — Drinking more water and eating fiber-rich foods can help.
• Abdominal pain — Stomach discomfort that typically resolves on its own.
• Weakness (asthenia) — A general feeling of fatigue or low energy.
• Upper respiratory tract infection — Cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose or sore throat.
• Diarrhea — Less common than constipation but still reported.

These side effects are usually mild and often go away within the first few weeks of treatment. If they persist or become bothersome, talk to your doctor — but don't stop taking Roszet without medical advice.

Serious Side Effects

While uncommon, Roszet can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. Know these warning signs:

Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis

This is the most important side effect to watch for with any statin medication. Myopathy means muscle disease, and rhabdomyolysis is a severe form where muscle tissue breaks down and releases proteins into the blood that can damage your kidneys.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Unexplained, severe muscle pain or tenderness
• Muscle weakness that makes daily activities difficult
• Dark brown or cola-colored urine
• Fever with muscle aches

Your risk for muscle problems is higher if you take Roszet with certain medications like Cyclosporine, Gemfibrozil, or Colchicine.

Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy (IMNM)

This is a rare autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your muscles. Unlike regular statin-related muscle pain, IMNM can continue even after you stop the medication. Symptoms include progressive muscle weakness, especially in the hips and shoulders. This requires specialist evaluation and treatment.

Liver Problems (Hepatotoxicity)

Roszet is processed by the liver, and in rare cases it can cause liver injury. Watch for:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine
• Unusual fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the upper right side of your abdomen

Your doctor will typically check your liver function with a blood test before starting Roszet and periodically during treatment.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas is a rare but serious side effect. Seek medical attention for severe abdominal pain that radiates to your back, especially with nausea and vomiting.

Allergic Reactions

Severe allergic reactions including angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat) and anaphylaxis are very rare but require emergency medical care. Call 911 if you experience difficulty breathing or severe swelling after taking Roszet.

Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)

Ezetimibe, one of Roszet's active ingredients, has been associated with an increased risk of gallstones. Symptoms include sudden pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, and vomiting.

Side Effects in Specific Populations

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Roszet is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Statins can harm a developing fetus. If you become pregnant while taking Roszet, stop the medication immediately and contact your doctor.

Older Adults

Patients over 65 may be more susceptible to muscle-related side effects. Doctors often start older adults on a lower dose and monitor more frequently.

Patients of Asian Descent

Studies show that patients of Asian descent may have higher blood levels of Rosuvastatin at standard doses. This means an increased risk of side effects, particularly muscle problems. Doctors may prescribe a lower starting dose for these patients.

Patients with Kidney Problems

Reduced kidney function can increase the concentration of Rosuvastatin in the blood, raising the risk of side effects. Dose adjustments may be needed.

How to Manage Side Effects

If you're experiencing side effects from Roszet, here are some practical steps:

• Don't stop on your own. Suddenly stopping a cholesterol medication can cause your levels to spike. Always talk to your doctor first.
• Track your symptoms. Keep a simple log of when side effects started, how severe they are, and whether they're getting better or worse. This helps your doctor make decisions.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help with constipation and may reduce the risk of kidney problems if muscle breakdown occurs.
• Try taking it at a different time. Some people find that taking Roszet at bedtime rather than in the morning reduces nausea or dizziness.
• Talk to your doctor about the dose. Roszet comes in four strengths. Switching to a lower dose may reduce side effects while still keeping your cholesterol in check.
• Consider alternatives. If side effects are intolerable, your doctor may switch you to a different cholesterol medication or prescribe the two generic components separately.

Final Thoughts

Most people who take Roszet experience mild side effects — or none at all. Muscle pain and headache are the most commonly reported complaints, and they usually improve with time.

The serious side effects like rhabdomyolysis and liver problems are rare but important to recognize. Knowing the warning signs means you can act quickly if something doesn't feel right.

If you're concerned about side effects, don't let that stop you from treating high cholesterol. Uncontrolled LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Work with your doctor to find the right medication and dose for you.

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