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.
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”.
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.
Top 6. Atoris
Rating (2021): 4.09
52 reviews from resources were taken into account: Protablets, Otzovik, Yandex.Market, iRecommend
Popular in Russia The drug is often prescribed by Russian cardiologists to reduce cardiovascular risk, and is available in most pharmacies and online.
- Characteristics
Average price: 487 rub.
- Country of origin: Slovenia
- Active ingredient: atorvastatin
The principle of operation of Atoris is similar to other types of statins; to achieve a good result, you must take the tablets for a long time in accordance with the instructions. The drug based on atorvastatin is inferior in effectiveness to Crestor, so doctors recommend taking the medicine for moderate disorders of blood lipids. Buyers in reviews note the ease of taking and storing tablets, but often complain of headaches, nausea and other side effects. It is worth considering that in some patients, taking Atoris does not allow achieving the target cholesterol level, so it is necessary to replace the drug with more expensive statin options.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Suitable for complex treatment
- Classic representative of statins
- Easy to use and store
- Doesn't help all patients
- Has side effects
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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 |
Top 3. Liprimar
Rating (2021): 4.48
47 reviews from resources were taken into account: Protablets, Otzovik, Yandex.Market
Best price-quality ratio An effective drug in the mid-price category that copes with the task of reducing the amount of harmful lipids in the blood.
- Characteristics
Average price: 510 rub.
- Country of origin: USA
- Active ingredient: atorvastatin
Tablets from the well-known company Pfizer have been used by doctors for more than 20 years to treat hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. The effectiveness of the drug has been confirmed by extensive clinical studies, and the risk of complications does not exceed those of other statins. It is worth noting that Liprimar is an original drug and not a generic, which increases the confidence of doctors and patients. At the same time, the cost is at the level of Russian generics of Crestor, and the effect is more noticeable and stable. Side effects are possible, but their probability is about 1%, which is normal for medications.
Advantages and disadvantages
- A drug from a famous brand
- Good quality
- Original medicine
- Large evidence base
- Price is not suitable for everyone
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.
