Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate
About
Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate belongs to the class of lipid-lowering agent used to lowers an increased level of total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) level. This prevents the risk of having any cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke, and heart-related chest pain (angina) in the future. The blockage of the heart occurs due to the increased level of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein -LDL and triglycerides - TG) which build-up of fat, cholesterol, and other waxy substances layers forming a plaque in the lining of the arteries wall (coronary arteries). This increases the chance of having a blood clot and heart attack in an individual.
Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate contains Rosuvastatin (statin) and Fenofibrate (fibric acid derivative). Rosuvastatin lowers the levels of raised lipids known as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and increasing the ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) by blocking our body’s production of ‘bad’ cholesterol. It also improves your body’s ability to remove it from your blood. On the other hand, Fenofibrate works by lowering the level of triglyceride in the blood.
You can take Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate with food or without food. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, bite, or break it. Your doctor will advise you how often you take your tablets based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience nausea, headache, abdominal pain, muscle pain, weakness, daytime drowsiness. Most of these side effects of Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
It is important to have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels (lipid profile) checked regularly. 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. And also, please inform your doctor before starting Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate if you have kidney problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are diabetic (as you need to monitor your sugar level regularly).
Uses of Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate
Medicinal Benefits
Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate is beneficial for the patients with Hypertriglyceridemia (high level of triglycerides), Hypercholesterolemia (high level of cholesterol), and Mixed Dyslipidaemia (elevated level of triglycerides – TG, low-density lipoprotein – LDL, and low level of high-density lipoprotein – HDL). Rosuvastatin first increases the LDL (bad cholesterol) on the liver cells for uptake and breakdown. Then, it stops the synthesis of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) made by the liver to reduce the total number of bad cholesterols (LDL and VLDL). Fenofibrate works by increasing the enzyme (a natural substance) that breaks down fats or lipids present in the blood. Besides this, Fenofibrate also reduces the raised uric acid levels by increasing the excretion of uric acid through urination. It is also prescribed to diabetes patients with an increased level of lipid and cholesterol to minimize cardiovascular risks like heart attack, stroke, and heart-related chest pain (angina).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate
- Nausea
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle pain (myalgia)
- General weakness
- Daytime drowsiness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Prolonged intake of statins is reported to cause severe musculoskeletal problems like myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. The most common adverse reactions associated with the use of Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate are muscle pain, muscle weakness, stomach upset, nausea, headache, and asthenia (general unexplained weakness). Elderly patients are at greater risk of having muscle problems so it should be given with caution and only after consulting the doctor. Rosuvastatin present in Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate is a pregnancy category X medicine (high risk to both pregnant mother and fetus). Hence, it should not be used by pregnant or lactating mothers. Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate also passes into the breast milk but its safety and efficiency are unclear, so its intake should be avoided by the nursing mother. The use of a Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate should be avoided in all kidney patients and to be taken with caution in all liver disease patients. The use of alcohol with Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate increases liver damage, so its use should be avoided. Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate contains fenofibrate which is contraindicated in gallstone patients, as there is an increased level of cholesterol in the bile leading to cholelithiasis.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate have shown interactions with immune system affecting medicine (cyclosporine), bile affecting pills (niacin, gemfibrozil, bile acid resin), anti-HIV drugs (lopinavir, ritonavir, atazanavir, ritonavir, tipranavir/ritonavir, fosamprenavir/ritonavir), anti-coagulant or blood thinners (coumadin, warfarin), and anti-arthritis pills (colchicine). So if you are taking these drugs tell your doctor before taking Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate.
Drug-Food Interaction: High fat/lipid-containing food or drinks like processed foods, packed foods, pastries, cookies, cakes, alcoholic beverages (beer) should be avoided while taking Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate should not be given in the condition of liver diseases like biliary cirrhosis (fatty liver disease), gall stones (cholelithiasis), kidney disease, muscle disease like myopathy, and rhabdomyolysis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate 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 present in Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate is a pregnancy categpry X medicine which can harm both pregnant mother and the unborn baby (fetus). So, it is better to avoid its intake and consult doctor before taking Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Breast Feeding
cautionRosuvastatin+fenofibrate is known to pass into the breast milk and can affect the baby's health. But, whether it will harm or not is still unclear. So, it should be taken only in extreme conditions doctor has prescribed you.
Driving
safe if prescribedRosuvastatin+fenofibrate does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionRosuvastatin+fenofibrate to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionRosuvastatin+fenofibrate to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disease or is currently on the dialysis stage. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor. A prolonged intake of Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate can lead to liver enzymes abnormalities.
Children
cautionThe safety and efficiency of Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate has not been established in the children below 10 years of age. So, before giving Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate to the children below 10 years of age consult doctor for better advise.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- A low-fat diet is advised to lower levels of fat in the blood.
- As a precautionary measure, you are recommended not to consume alcohol, or junk food items from outside, stick to freshly prepared home-cooked meals and take proper rest, for a speedy recovery.
- And also try to replace most of your saturated fats with unsaturated fats can reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in a short span of time.
- Foods like avocados, olive oil, fatty fish and nuts contain lots of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, so it’s beneficial to eat them regularly.
- Regular exercise can make your heart strong and decrease your risk of a heart attack.
Special Advise
- You should have your lipid profile test including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL, HDL, VLDL and HDL done every 6 months to ensure whether Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate is working or not.
- Your doctor may suggest certain tests to observe the enzyme levels during medication.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
High cholesterol: Hyperlipidemia occurs when there are too many lipids (or fats), like cholesterol and triglycerides (TG). Hypercholesterolemia is a type of Hyperlipidemia in which there is excessive low-density lipoprotein - LDL (bad cholesterol) and low level of high-density lipoprotein - HDL (good cholesterol) in your blood. This condition increases the deposition of fats on the lining of heart arteries which increases the risk of heart blockage and other blood clot problems.
FAQs
Usually, it is not safe to take Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate with fusidic acid as it may lead to muscle weakness, tenderness or pain. Please consult your doctor before taking Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate along with fusidic acid
Yes, taking Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate can cause muscle pain (myalgia) and long term complications like rhabdomyolysis and myopathy. Also please tell your doctor if you have a muscle weakness that is constant.
Yes, Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate can be taken at night or any other time with or without food. It is better to take it at fixed time.
Yes Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate can make you feel tired as it reduces the energy supply to the muscles in the body. People suffering from heart or liver diseases feel more tired while taking Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate. Please consult your doctor if you feel tired while taking Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate.
No, Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate does not cause weight gain. If you experience weight gain while you are taking Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate, please consult your doctor.
No, Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate should not be stopped even if you feel better as it lead to worsening of your condition. Please consult your doctor if you feel better and do as advised.
Yes. Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate is also prescribed for the treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia (high cholesterol and lipid in diabetes). However, you should consult doctor before using Rosuvastatin+fenofibrate.
