This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Rosuvastatin + Ezetimibe is a lipid-lowering agent. Rosuvastatin belongs to the class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (Statins), and Ezetimibe belongs to the class of medications called 2-Azetidinones. The FDA approved this combination for its medical use on March 31, 2023

Mechanism of Action of undefined

This medicine reduces your cholesterol in two ways: it reduces the cholesterol absorbed in your digestive tract and the cholesterol your body makes by itself. Rosuvastatin is an HMG CoA-reductase inhibitor; it increases the number of hepatic LDL receptors on the cell surface to enhance the uptake and breakdown of LDL and inhibits hepatic synthesis of VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein), thereby reducing the total number of cholesterol levels.

Ezetimibe inhibits cholesterol absorption in the small intestine; it localizes at the brush border of the small intestine and decreases the delivery of intestinal cholesterol to the liver; this reduces hepatic cholesterol stores and increases cholesterol clearance from the blood.

Uses of undefined

It is used to reduce total cholesterol levels, LDL (bad cholesterol), and fatty substances called triglycerides in your blood. It also helps to raise levels of HDL (good cholesterol). It is used in patients whose cholesterol levels cannot be controlled by a cholesterol-lowering diet alone. It is used in patients with heart disease. This medicine reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, surgery to increase heart blood flow, or hospitalization for chest pain.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

It is an orally available prescription drug. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Rosuvastatin + Ezetimibe based on the disease condition and other factors. Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet at the same time everyday, with or without food. Do not break, chew, crush, or break the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water. 

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

This drug is indicated to cause severe muscle disease. Promptly report to your physician about unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. Long-term use of Rosuvastatin + Ezetimibe may cause severe liver damage. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to rosuvastatin, ezetimibe, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine, if you have liver disease or severe kidney impairment, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately if you develop a severe skin rash or skin peeling, blistering, or mouth sores after taking this tablet. 

Precautions

Do not take Rosuvastatin + Ezetimibe if you have liver disease, severe kidney impairment, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately if you develop a severe skin rash or skin peeling, blistering, or mouth sores after taking this tablet. Inform your physician if you have kidney or liver diseases, muscle pain, respiratory failure, and are over 70 years old. Notify your physician if you regularly drink alcohol. This medicine may increase your chances of developing diabetes. 

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications interact with rosuvastatin + ezetimibe and reduce their effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. Do not take cyclosporin while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

The common side effects of Rosuvastatin + Ezetimibe are abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, increased liver enzymes, muscle, bone, and joint pain, headache, fatigue, cold and fever. Other serious side effects of these tablets are increased blood sugar levels increased liver enzymes and liver injury, muscle problems, kidney problems, and sleep disturbances.

Word Of Advice

Store the Rosuvastatin + Ezetimibe at 20°C to 25°C. Protect the medicine from light and excessive moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. If you forgot to take the tablet, simply take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

You should follow a low-cholesterol diet and exercise while taking this medicine. If you need to take an antacid, take it at least 2 hours after using this medicine. Inform your doctor if you have thyroid problems before initiating the treatment. This medicine may affect the liver; for this reason,  your doctor will regularly carry out liver function tests during the treatment. You are likely at risk of developing diabetes if you have high levels of sugars and fats in your blood, are overweight, and have high blood pressure.

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. Package leaflet: Information for the user rosuvastatin/Ezetimibe Abbott. Available at: https://file.wuxuwang.com/hma/NL_H_4917_001_FinalPL.pdf  (Revised: March 2023) (Accessed: 29 May 2023).
  2. “Highlights Of Prescribing Information - Rosuvastatin + Ezetimibe.” (Revised March 2021) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/213072s000lbl.pdf
  3. Barrios, Vivencio, and Carlos Escobar. “Fixed-Dose Combination of Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe: Treating Hypercholesteremia according to Cardiovascular Risk.” Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology, vol. 14, no. 7, 24 May 2021, pp. 793–806, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33970743/#:~:text=Rosuvastatin%20is%20a%20high%2Dintensity,to%20reduce%20LDL%2DC%20levels., https://doi.org/10.1080/17512433.2021.1925539 . (Accessed 2 Dec. 2021.)

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.