Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe
About
Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe belongs to a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)’ and ‘sterol absorption inhibitor’ Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe is primarily used to treat high cholesterol levels. Dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol level) is the deposition of unhealthy levels of fats (lipid) in the blood. In this condition, there is always a high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol), triglycerides (TG), and a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol).
Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe is a combination of two medicines: Rosuvastatin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)) and Ezetimibe (sterol absorption inhibitor). Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe contains Rosuvastatin that is a lipid-lowering medicine that prevents your body from making 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) while increasing 'good' cholesterol (HDL) levels. It blocks liver enzymes causing the liver to make less cholesterol. So, Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe increases the uptake and breakdown by the liver of cholesterol already in the blood. On the other hand, Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor that avoids the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. Together, they provide a better decrease in cholesterol in your body.
Take Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical conditions. You may experience nausea, muscle pain, weakness, joint pain, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, upper respiratory tract infection, the common cold. Most of these side effects of Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
This medicine is only one part of a treatment program which should also include a healthy low-fat diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol intake, and weight reduction. You can eat normally while taking this medicine but try to avoid foods that are high in fat. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. You should contact a doctor before if you have liver or kidney problems, diabetes, severe lung disease, or musculoskeletal disorder (like myopathy and rhabdomyolysis). If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding then immediately inform your doctor because Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe contains rosuvastatin that may harm an unborn baby.
Uses of Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe
Medicinal Benefits
Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe taken with dietary measures helps in the treatment of high cholesterol especially for heart patients when initial dietary measures fail to lower cholesterol. Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and risk of coronary events like heart attack, stroke, and heart-related chest pain (angina). Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe contains Rosuvastatin that is a lipid-lowering medicine that prevents your body from making 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) while increasing 'good' cholesterol (HDL) levels. It blocks liver enzymes causing the liver to make less cholesterol. So, Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe increases the uptake and breakdown by the liver of cholesterol already in the blood. On the other hand, Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor that avoids the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. Together, they provide a better decrease in cholesterol in your body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe
- Nausea
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Common cold
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. You should contact a doctor before if you have liver or kidney problems, diabetes, severe lung disease, thyroid gland problems, or musculoskeletal disorder (like myopathy and rhabdomyolysis). It is recommended that you should have a liver enzyme test regularly if you are regularly taking Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe. A person taking excess alcohol and affected with liver disease should consult a doctor before its intake. Increases in HbA1c and fasting glucose levels can be observed if a person is regularly taking Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe. So, you should tell the doctor before having these diabetes tests. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding then immediately inform your doctor because Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe contains rosuvastatin that may harm an unborn baby. Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe contains a sugar called lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, talk to your doctor before taking this Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe is known to contra-indicate when taken along with organ transplants medicine (cyclosporine), vitamin B (niacin), antigout (severe pain in joints) medicine (colchicine), other cholesterol-lowering pills (gemfibrozil, atorvastatin, fenofibrate, cholestyramine), blood thinner (warfarin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe may interact with grapefruit. Avoid drinking alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe should be taken with caution if you have kidney problems, thyroid gland problem (hypothyroidism), muscular problems (like rhabdomyolysis, myopathy), diabetes.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe to avoid unpleasant side-effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or sleepiness. It may also lead to a life-threatening condition like coma if taken with excessive alcohol.
Pregnancy
unsafeRosuvastatin+ezetimibe contains Rosuvastatin which is not recommended during pregnancy. Contact your doctor before taking Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe.
Breast Feeding
cautionBreastfeeding is not recommended. Contact your doctor before taking Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe.
Driving
safe if prescribedRosuvastatin+ezetimibe does not usually affect your ability to drive, but sometimes cause dizziness than to contact your doctor before driving.
Liver
cautionRosuvastatin+ezetimibe to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionRosuvastatin+ezetimibe to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeRosuvastatin+ezetimibe is not recommended for children as safety and efficacy of Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe has not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep your weight under control with BMI 19.5-24.9.
- Do regular physical activity or exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week. Doing this can help you to lower your raised blood pressure by about 5 mm of Hg.
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
- Limit intake of sodium chloride (table salt) in your daily diet to 2300 mg per day or less than 1500 mg is ideal for most adults.
- If you are taking alcohol then only one serving for women and two servings for men is advisable.
- Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
- Avoid chronic stress as it can raise your blood pressure. Try to enjoy and spent time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
- Monitor your blood pressure daily and if there is too much fluctuation then immediately contact your doctor.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acid containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil can help in lowering your elevated blood pressure.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver to protect nerves, make tissue, and various hormones. Our body also receives cholesterol from the food we eat like cooking oils, eggs, meats, and dairy products. Excess cholesterol is bad for our health. There are two types of cholesterol namely 'bad cholesterol' and 'good cholesterol'. Bad cholesterol comprises low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) while good cholesterol consists of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Usually, there are no specific symptoms of raised or high levels of cholesterol but a large deposition of cholesterol in the arteries (plaque) or heart blockage. Blocked artery or plaque formation in the arteries of the heart can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack, or stroke. So, it is advisable to have complete cholesterol tests (lipid profile test) at least once a year. It will help you to closely monitor your heart health and risk of heart attack and stroke.
FAQs
Usually, it is not safe to take Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe with fusidic acid as it may lead to muscle weakness, tenderness, or pain. Please consult your doctor before taking Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe along with fusidic acid.
No, Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe should not be stopped even if you feel better as it leads to worsening of your condition. Please consult your doctor if you feel better and do as advised.
Yes, Rosuvastatin+ezetimibe can be taken at night or any other time with or without food. It is better to take it at a fixed time.
Increase your daily diet with fiber, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, and cut saturated fat as well. Stop smoking and drinking and try to work out every day as well.
