Rosuvastatin 5mg launched

November 7, 2005 at 4:24 pm | In Prescribing Extra - Drugs |

Rosuvastatin (Crestor) has been launched in a 5mg strength. This tablet is half the strength of the previous lowest strength. It is licensed as a starting dose and priced at the same level as the 10mg tablet - £18.03 for 28 tablets.

The new lower dose is intended for use as a start dose in patients who are predisposed to myopathy and Asian patients. Predisposing factors include:

Renal Impairment
Hypothyroidism
Personal or family history of hereditary muscular disorders
Previous history of muscular toxicity with other statins or fibrates
Alcohol abuse
Age over 70 years
Situations where an increase in plasma levels may occur
Concomitant use of fibrates

Action: Currently, there are no trial data for Rosuvastatin demonstrating a reduction in mortality or morbidity. This level of evidence is available for other statins e.g. Simvastatin. Rosuvastatin is not currently on the formulary. Prescribers who insist on using Rosuvastatin should be aware of the availability of this new dose and indications.