Indications

Rosuvastatin, an HMG CoA-reductase inhibitor (statin), and Ezetimibe, a dietary cholesterol absorption inhibitor, combination is indicated in adults: As an adjunct to diet in patients with primary non-familial hyperlipidemia to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Alone or as an adjunct to other LDL-C lowering therapies in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) to reduce LDL-C.

Composition

Pharmacology

Rosuvastatin : Rosuvastatin lowers plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase and cholesterol synthesis in the liver and by increasing the number of hepatic LDL receptors on the cell-surface to enhance uptake and catabolism of LDL; Rosuvastatin reduces LDL production and the number of LDL particles. Ezetimibe : Ezetimibe reduces blood cholesterol by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol by the small intestine. The molecular target of ezetimibe has been shown to be the sterol transporter, which is involved in the intestinal uptake of cholesterol and phytosterols.

Dosage & Administration

The dosage range is 5/10 mg to 40/10 mg orally once a day. The recommended dosage depends on the indication for usage, LDL-C, and individual risk for cardiovascular events. Patients with severe renal impairment (not on hemodialysis) : Initiate at 5 mg/10 mg once daily; do not exceed 10 mg/10 mg once daily. Patients should swallow tablet whole. Tablets should not be crushed, dissolved, or chewed. Administer at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after administration of a bile acid sequestrant. Administer at least 2 hours before administration of an aluminium and magnesium hydroxide combination antacid. Pediatric Use : Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. Geriatric Use : No dosage adjustment is necessary.

Contraindications

Contraindicated in patients with: Active liver disease or decompensated cirrhosis Hypersensitivity to any component

Side Effects

Common side efects are headache, nausea, myalgia, arthralgia, dizziness, asthenia, constipation, abdominal pain, respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, sinusitis, pain in extremity, fatigue, infuenza and back pain.

Pregnancy & Lactation

This preparation is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended.

Precautions & Warnings

Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis: Risk factors include age 65 years or greater, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, renal impairment, concomitant use with certain other drugs and higher dosage. Discontinue if markedly elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Temporarily discontinue in patients experiencing an acute or serious condition at high risk of developing renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Hepatic Dysfunction: Increases in serum transaminases have occurred, some persistent. Rare reports of fatal and non-fatal hepatic failure have occurred. Consider testing liver enzyme tests before initiating therapy and as clinically indicated thereafter.

Therapeutic Class

Other lipid regulating drugs

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.