Modern remedies for high cholesterol are highly effective and have almost no side effects.
One of the most popular drugs is Crestor. This is a 4th generation statin with an improved composition and mechanism of action.
This article will discuss the features of this medication and its analogues - more affordable and highly effective.
Composition and dosage form of the drug Crestor
The medicine is released in tablet form. Tablets are distinguished by color and amount of active substance (5 mg - yellow, 10, 20 and 40 mg - pink). The active component of the drug is the hypolipidemic synthetic substance rosuvastatin. It is complemented by:
- microcrystalline cellulose fibers;
- a combination of milk sugar and water (lactose monohydrate);
- a salt formed by calcium and phosphoric acid (calcium phosphate);
- food additive E572 (magnesium stearate),
- adsorbent crospovidone.
Crestor is produced by the English pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca UK Limited. The price of a package of 28 tablets of 10 mg each ranges from 1,500 rubles. Cheaper analogues of Crestor are produced in Israel, Hungary, Russia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic.
Summary table with price comparison
Name of medication, dose 10 mg | Number of tablets | Cost, rub |
"Crestor" | 28 | 1338 |
"Roxera" | 30 | 509 |
"Mertenil" | 30 | 583 |
"Rosucard" | 30 | 643 |
"Rozulip" | 28 | 740 |
"Tevastor" | 30 | 525 |
"Rosuvastatin-SZ" | 30 | 357 |
"Suwardio" | 28 | 441 |
Indications for use of Crestor and its analogues
Statins are used to eliminate hypercholesterolemia - an increased concentration of cholesterol in the blood (more than 7.0 mmol/l) with high levels of low-density lipoprotein (more than 5.0 mmol/l). The basis for prescribing drugs is the results of a lipid profile or a comprehensive biochemical blood test.
Reference: Lipoproteins are compounds of cholesterol with apoproteins and other lipids. They are designed to transport cholesterol molecules through the bloodstream. Low and very low density lipoproteins (LDL and VLDL) deliver cholesterol from the liver to the peripheral tissues and cells of the body to ensure their full functioning. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) carry excess LDL and VLDL to the liver, clearing blood vessels.
Crestor and its analogues are used:
- with atherosclerosis of the vessels of the heart, kidneys, brain, lower extremities;
- in the post-infarction and post-stroke period (as part of complex therapy);
- with dyslipidemia - an imbalance of lipoproteins (excess LDL and deficiency of HDL);
- as a prevention of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemia of hereditary origin.
The effect of the drug is most effective when simultaneously following the therapeutic diet “Table No. 10”.
Atoris
Atoris is one of the lipid-lowering drugs. The active ingredient of the drug is atorvastatin. Available in tablet form. The dosage of Atoris can be 10, 20, 40 or 80 mg. By reducing the production of low and very low density lipoproteins, the risk of developing atherosclerosis is reduced. Atoris is prescribed in the presence of hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia of various origins. The cost of the drug depends on the dosage, the number of tablets in the package and the region of residence. On average, the price is 400-600 rubles for 10 mg and 500-1000 rubles. for 40 mg. Despite its relative availability, many note the low effectiveness of the drug compared to other drugs in this group.
Contraindications and side effects
Statins based on rosuvastatin are not prescribed:
- patients with severe liver pathologies;
- with renal decompensation;
- women during the perinatal and lactation period;
- with an allergic reaction to statins;
- minor patients.
The combined use of statins and immunosuppressants with active cyclosporines is prohibited. The fourth generation of drugs is better tolerated by patients. Unlike previous developments, there is a decrease in the number of side effects.
Possible undesirable effects include:
- decreased muscle tone and muscle soreness (myalgia);
- indigestion, constipation (constipation);
- dizziness and cephalalgia (headache);
- asthenia (increased psychophysical fatigue).
Long-term treatment provokes the development of insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes mellitus. In a biochemical blood test, an increase in the levels of the enzyme creatine kinase is possible.
Rosecard
Rosucard is a lipid-lowering drug. The active substance of the drug is rosuvastatin. Available in tablet form. Their color depends on the dosage. The effect of the drug is associated with a decrease in the amount of LDL and VLDL. Likewise, the risk of developing atherosclerosis is reduced. The main indication for prescribing Rosucard is hypercholesterolemia. Used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. The dosage is selected individually depending on the level of cholesterol concentration. The cost of the drug is 500-700 rubles. Despite its availability, there are reviews about the lack of effectiveness of the drug.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of fourth generation statins
Rosuvastatin, as the active substance of statin medications, inhibits the vigorous action of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, synthesized by the liver. This enzyme is responsible for the production of endogenous (internal) cholesterol. With its insufficient production, less LDL and VLDL are formed and the amount of HDL compensatory increases.
The active ingredient of the drug is rosuvastatin
Thus, the concentration of total cholesterol decreases. This reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis, and if vascular changes are diagnosed, it reduces the risk of developing a heart attack, stroke and other complications. Primary positive dynamics are observed after weekly statin therapy. The course of treatment takes up to three months.
Reference: Taking statins for atherosclerosis reduces the risk of heart attack by 18%, ischemic stroke – by 25%.
Rosuvastatin is well absorbed by the body and binds to plasma proteins by 90%. The maximum concentration is recorded 5 hours after taking the tablets. Biotransformation of the substance occurs in the liver, the residues are excreted by the intestines with feces.
Liprimar
Liprimar is a drug whose action is aimed at lowering cholesterol levels. It has a hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic effect. The active substance of the drug is atorvastatin. Liprimar is available in the form of tablets of various dosages. The main indications for prescribing the drug include hypercholesterolemia. The general therapeutic dosage of the drug is 1 tablet once a day. A course or continuous use of the drug is possible. On average, the cost of Liprimar is 700-1000 rubles. depending on the dosage purchased. The disadvantage of the drug can be considered its negative effect on the liver.
Analogues of Crestor according to the active substance
Structural analogues of Crestor are produced in tablets. They have different dosages of the active rosuvastatin and differ in additional components and cost. List of drugs based on rosuvastatin:
Instructions for the drug Tevastor
- Mertenil. Company-. The tablets are distinguished by the engraving “C34”. Packaged in 30, 60 and 90 pieces per package.
- Rosecard. Produces pharma. The film coating of the tablets is pink. One pack contains 30 pieces.
- Roxera. The manufacturer is a branch of the international company. Available in tablet and capsule form, 30, 60 and 90 pieces per package.
- Rozulip. Produces pharma. One pack can contain 14, 28, 56 pieces.
- Tevastor. The most famous analogue from. The number of tablets in one package is 30 pieces.
- Suwardio. Company-. They produce 30, 60 and 90 pieces in one pack.
Comparative table of analogues
Name | Mertenil | Rozulip | Roxera | Rosecard | Suwardio | Tevastor |
Manufacturer country | Hungary | Hungary | Slovenia | Czech | Slovenia | Israel |
Dosage | 5, 10, 20 mg | 5, 10, 20, 40 mg | 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 or 40 mg | 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg | 5, 10 and 20 mg | 5, 10 and 20 mg |
Price | 30 pcs./20 mg – 800 rub. | 28 pcs./10 mg – 830 rub. | 30 pcs./20 mg – 850 rub. | 30 pcs./20 mg – 900 rub. | 28 pcs./20 mg – 575 rub. | 30 pcs./20 mg – 680 rub. |
The Russian structural substitute, the drug Rosuvastatin-SZ, is produced by NAO Severnaya Zvezda (Vsevolozhsk, Leningrad region). Packaged in 30, 60, 90 tablets per package. Dosage – 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg. The cost of 30 tablets at a dosage of 5 mg is about 300 rubles.
Important! If you want to replace Crestor with a similar medicine, you must obtain the approval of your doctor.
General information about the drug and instructions for use
Crestor is based on the active ingredient rosuvastatin. It belongs to the 4th generation of statins, which are the most prescribed and effective cholesterol drugs with fewer side effects. These substances have a dual mechanism of action. According to their chemical structure, they are inhibitors of the enzyme responsible for converting dietary fats into cholesterol in the liver.
About 80% of cholesterol is formed in hepatocytes (liver), and only 20% enters the digestive tract in finished form (with fatty meat, yolk and fried foods). Statins block this process and thereby reduce the total concentration of cholesterol in the blood.
The action of statins is based on inhibition of the enzyme responsible for the production of cholesterol by the liver (the source of about 80% of the substance).
Fourth generation drugs have additional activity against LDL (this is one of the cholesterol fractions that forms atherosclerotic plaques). Medicines help remove them from the bloodstream through the excretory systems. "Crestor" is a very effective drug; with the right dosage, it reduces cholesterol to the physiological norm within a month.
Rosuvastatin drugs are prescribed in the following cases:
- high cholesterol;
- heart and vascular diseases;
- recovery period after surgery;
- atherosclerosis.
The medicine is available in film-coated tablets. The coating allows you to preserve the medicinal substance from the effects of gastric juice and deliver it to the liver in an unchanged, active form. Tablets in pharmacies can be found in doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg. In one package of Crestor there can be 30, 60 and 90 pieces.
The drug is taken in the prescribed dose once a day. It is advisable to take it in the evening, 1 hour after dinner, with a sufficient amount of water.
The duration of the course of treatment is determined solely by the doctor. On average it is 2-6 months. In severe cases of atherosclerosis, the drug is prescribed for life. According to clinical studies, people suffering from advanced stages of atherosclerosis and taking rosuvastatin live on average 10 years longer than patients who refuse the drug.
General rules for taking Crestor and its analogues
The doctor selects the dosage of statins individually depending on the results of the lipid profile, concomitant diseases, age and weight of the patient. According to the instructions for use, treatment should begin with a minimum dose of 5-10 mg of rosuvastatin per day.
List of analogues of the drug Crestor
Therapy is carried out under regular monitoring of cholesterol, lipoproteins, glucose, AST and ALT enzymes. The dosage of the drug is increased gradually, reaching the optimal dose of 40 mg/day. In complicated cases, the maximum dose allowed per day is 80 mg.
Where to buy analogues of "Crestor"?
You can purchase analogues of Crestor in online pharmacies without leaving your home.
The largest and most trusted pharmacy chains:
1. https://apteka.ru. Prices for drugs are approximately equal to the average market prices indicated in the table above. Medicines are delivered within a few days to a pharmacy near you. 2. https://wer.ru. For comparison, let's present the prices. "Crestor" 10 mg 28 tablets – 1618 rub. "Rosuvastatin - SZ" in the same dose - 344 rubles.
In Moscow
Medicines can be bought at any regular pharmacy. Here are the addresses of Moscow pharmacies where these analogues are always available at low prices:
1. "Rigla". St. Nagatinskaya, 31. Phone: 8-800-777-0303. 2. "EAPharmacy". St. Masterkova, 3. Phone: +7 (495) 730-5300.
In St. Petersburg
1. "Rigla". Kosygina Avenue, 31 bldg. 1. Phone: 8-800-777-0303. 2. "Hello." Etc. Enlightenment, 53 k.1. Phone: 8(800) 250-2426.
Non-structural substitutes for Crestor
Replacing Crestor in terms of the main active component are statins of the first, second and third generations. They have an identical therapeutic effect, but differ in a more aggressive effect on the body.
Crestor Substitutes
Generation | Active substance | Examples of medications |
1st | lovastatin | Cardiostatin, Choletar |
simvastatin | Simvastatin, Vasilip | |
pravastatin | Lipostat, Pravastatin | |
2nd | fluvastatin | Leskol |
3rd | atorvastatin | Torvacard, Atoris |
Bactrum
Bactrum is a dietary supplement. The complex contains Jerusalem artichoke tubers, vitamin E, and dietary fiber. The action of the dietary supplement is aimed at reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, Bactrum has the following effects:
- normalizes intestinal activity;
- reduces edema syndrome;
- slows down glucose absorption;
- restores intestinal microflora;
- helps reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract;
- increases the body's protective functions;
- normalizes the secretion and outflow of bile;
- accelerates metabolic processes.
It is prescribed for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. The natural composition of Bactrum allows you to use it for a long course of treatment without worrying about your health. The dietary supplement does not have a negative effect on the body. Available in tablet form. The general therapeutic dosage is 1 tablet 2 times a day.
Reviews
Tatyana: Due to my profession, I undergo a medical examination every year. The list of examinations includes a biochemical blood test. Every year, cholesterol levels slowly but steadily increased. The last time it went off scale over 7 mmol/l. The doctor ordered a lipid profile to assess the full picture. As a result, he prescribed Crestor. I took it for 3 months. Effect – minus 2 units. I consider the high cost of the medicine to be a significant disadvantage of treatment.
Yulia Olegovna: Atherosclerosis was diagnosed six months ago. I was surprised because I didn’t feel any serious symptoms. To slow down the disease, statins were prescribed, in particular Crestor. When I looked at the price, I almost fainted. On the Internet I found a cheap Russian medicine with an identical active ingredient - Rosuvastatin-SZ. I tolerate it well, there are no side effects, but the savings are fivefold.
Irina: Crestor was prescribed based on the results of a lipid profile. I'm used to trusting only Israeli pharmaceuticals. I found a similar medicine called Tevastor from them. The attending physician approved. Over a 30-day course of treatment, cholesterol decreased from 6.9 mmol/l to 6.0 mmol/l.
Tulip
Tulip is a medicine used to lower blood lipid levels. The active ingredient of the drug is atorvastatin. Tulip helps reduce the level of LDL and VLDL, and the atherogenic coefficient. This reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Indications for prescribing the drug are hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia of various origins. Tulip is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, in children under 18 years of age, in the presence of hypersensitivity to its components and chronic liver diseases. The disadvantages of the drug are associated with its negative effects on the liver. In this regard, it is necessary to regularly undergo blood tests for transaminases.