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Rosuvastatin is a selective and competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase which reduces elevated LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides and increases HDL-cholesterol. It is indicated for adults, adolescents and children (6 years or over) with primary hypercholesterolaemia as an adjunct to diet when response to diet and other non-pharmacological treatments is inadequate. Many patients who are prescribed statins, particularly those over 65 years old, have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Patients with dysphagia may experience fear of choking on their tablets, which may lead to patients crushing, chewing, or breaking their tablets instead of swallowing them whole.
Rosuvastatin Capsules are designed to aid administration for patients with dysphagia. They are the UK’s first statin capsules that can be opened and the granules sprinkled onto soft food for ease of swallowing. In addition to swallowing the capsules whole, the granules can also be administered via nasogastric tube. The below resources were developed to provide information on prescribing rosuvastatin and highlight the potential benefits for your patients with dysphagia.
Prescribing information for Rosuvastatin Capsules can be found here.
There are several statin formulations that are designed for ease of swallowing. This educational document looks at some of the available options and how Rosuvastatin Capsules compare. It can be used as a quick and easy guide to prescribing the most appropriate statin for your patients with dysphagia.
The prevalence of dysphagia is highest in elderly patients and is strongly associated with a number of neurological disorders. This gifographic covers the impacts of dysphagia, the potential benefits of sprinkling Rosuvastatin Capsules for those who require statins, and the cost-saving advantages of Rosuvastatin Capsules compared to other statin formulations.
Rosuvastatin Capsules offer a method of administration that can aid patients with dysphagia. From dosages to cost, this FAQ document highlights what you need to know about the potential benefits of prescribing Rosuvastatin Capsules compared to other statins in chewable tablet or oral suspension formulations.
Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/.
Adverse events should also be reported to Ranbaxy UK. Tel: 02088485052.
