A recent study from Johns Hopkins University has found that rosuvastatin, a commonly prescribed statin used to lower cholesterol, may increase the risk of kidney damage, especially at higher doses. Statins are widely used to reduce the risk of heart disease, but this study suggests that some patients may need to be cautious when taking rosuvastatin.
Investigating the Risk of Kidney Damage
When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved rosuvastatin, early reports indicated that it could cause blood (hematuria) and protein (proteinuria) to appear in the urine, which are signs of kidney damage. However, after its approval, little research was done to examine the real-world risks of the drug on kidney health.
To address this gap, researchers analyzed electronic health records from over 152,000 new users of rosuvastatin and compared them to nearly 796,000 new users of atorvastatin, another commonly prescribed statin, between 2011 and 2019. They followed the patients for three years to track the impact of these drugs on kidney function.
Key Findings
The study found that:
- 2.9% of rosuvastatin users developed hematuria, compared to lower rates in atorvastatin users.
- 1.0% of rosuvastatin users developed proteinuria, again higher than those taking atorvastatin.
- Rosuvastatin users had an 8% higher risk of hematuria, a 17% higher risk of proteinuria, and a 15% higher risk of kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant compared to atorvastatin users.
- Higher doses of rosuvastatin were linked to an even greater risk of kidney problems.
- 44% of patients with advanced kidney disease were prescribed doses of rosuvastatin that exceeded FDA recommendations, suggesting that some patients may be receiving higher-than-safe doses.
Despite these concerns, both rosuvastatin and atorvastatin provided similar heart benefits, meaning rosuvastatin did not offer a unique advantage in preventing heart disease.
What This Means for Patients and Doctors
These findings are particularly important for people with a history of kidney disease or those taking high doses of rosuvastatin. Researchers suggest that patients on rosuvastatin, especially those with kidney problems, should have regular kidney function tests.
The study was observational, meaning it did not directly prove that rosuvastatin causes kidney damage, but it adds to growing evidence suggesting a potential risk. Further research is needed to confirm the findings. In the meantime, doctors and patients should carefully consider the risks and benefits of rosuvastatin, especially for those at higher risk of kidney disease.
Side Effects of Statins
Statins, including rosuvastatin and atorvastatin, are widely used to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease. While they are generally safe, they can cause side effects, including:
- Muscle pain and weakness – This is the most common side effect, affecting up to 10% of users.
- Liver damage – Rare but possible; liver function tests may be needed.
- Digestive issues – Some people experience nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Memory problems – Some reports suggest statins may cause confusion or memory loss, though this is not proven.
- Increased blood sugar levels – In some cases, statins can slightly raise blood sugar levels, which may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Allergic reactions – Skin rashes and other allergic responses may occur.
Anyone taking statins should talk to their doctor about side effects and whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
Conclusion
This study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology and led by Jung-in Shin and colleagues, suggests that rosuvastatin may increase the risk of kidney damage compared to atorvastatin, particularly at higher doses.
While statins remain a vital tool in heart disease prevention, these findings highlight the importance of carefully monitoring kidney health in patients taking rosuvastatin, especially those with existing kidney issues.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about drug that prevents kidney failure in diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce risk of kidney injury.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and common painkillers may harm heart, kidneys and more.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
