Rotorlip: Uses and notes when using

Article by Pharmacist - Master Pham Thi Kim Dung - Faculty of Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

In the body, fats (also called lipids) are absorbed from food or synthesized by the liver and have important physiological roles. However, when the fat (triglycerides or cholesterol) in the blood is too high, it can lead to many serious health disorders.
Fats in the body are transported through a component called lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are classified based on density including very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), medium density lipoproteins (IDL), and high density lipoproteins (HDL). HDL carries cholesterol from peripheral tissues and other lipoproteins to sites for use or clearance in the liver. Therefore, HDL is considered "good blood fat". Meanwhile, LDL is considered "bad blood fat" - this is one of the main culprits causing atherosclerosis.
Rotorlip is an inhibitor of cholesterol biosynthesis, thereby leading to a compensatory mechanism of the body that stimulates the breakdown or breakdown of LDL through increased expression of LDL receptors on hepatocyte membranes and results in a decrease in LDL. in blood.
In addition, the drug also increases the level of "good cholesterol" HDL. The drug also reduces plasma triglycerides by increasing clearance of residual VLDL by increasing LDL receptor expression.
The drug is indicated in the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia, familial hypercholesterolemia. At the same time, the drug is also indicated in the prevention of primary cardiovascular events, helping to reduce the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, reducing the need for procedures, coronary revascularization surgery in people at heart risk. high circuit.
Patients should only use Rotorlip after being examined, evaluated, diagnosed and prescribed by a specialist. Self-medicating or taking someone else's prescription drug can have serious health consequences.

Rotorlip should be taken as a whole tablet at any time of the day, because the effect of the drug is prolonged and absorption is independent of meals. However, patients should take it every day at the same time to avoid forgetting the medication. Doctors usually prescribe Rotorlip in the evening, after dinner because the cholesterol synthetizing enzyme that the drug acts on is more active in the evening.
The usual recommended adult starting dose is 5 mg or 10 mg once daily for both statin-nave patients and for patients switching from a generic drug to Rotorlip. The dose may be increased every 4 weeks depending on treatment goals and patient response but to a maximum of 40 mg/day.
Dosage for children from 10-17 years old is 5mg - 20mg x 1 time / day with a maximum content of 20mg / day.
Dosage of the drug is considered by the doctor on each indication and subject. Therefore, patients should not increase or decrease the dose on their own without consulting the doctor. The drug may be initiated at a lower dose, increased more slowly and to a lower maximum dose in patients with impaired liver function, decreased renal function or the elderly.
Rotorlip with 2 strengths of 10mg and 20mg supports the selection and adjustment of the dose for each specific patient. However, the manufacturer recommends not to break the 10mg tablet when a 5mg dose is needed.

Not all patients experience side effects when using Rotorlip and not all side effects of the drug occur in one patient. During the time of taking the drug, you may have headaches, fatigue, nausea, muscle aches, abdominal pain, increased liver enzymes, increased blood sugar... At that time, it is necessary to discuss with your doctor for advice and treatment. adjust if necessary.
In case of serious side effects or affecting quality of life such as fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, darkening of the skin, jaundice, yellow eyes or muscle pain, persistent muscle weakness, especially with fatigue or fever, dark urine or allergic reactions to drugs (itching, swelling of the face, difficulty breathing...) the patient needs to go to the hospital immediately for examination and timely treatment.
Serious side effects of the drug can be dose related, so patients should not increase the dose on their own, do not use 2 doses less than 12 hours apart. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it's less than 12 hours after the next dose, just take the next dose and skip the missed dose.

Patients need to talk with their doctor about medical history, history of allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding and medications being used at home to ensure optimal and safe prescription. The drug is not for use by pregnant or lactating women. If you plan to become pregnant in the near future, you should talk to your doctor. Use of the drug for some pregnancies may be acceptable, but the patient should be consulted by a specialist and carefully monitored.
Patients should only use Rotorlip when prescribed and need to use the correct dose as prescribed. Do not increase, decrease the dose or discontinue treatment without consulting your doctor.
The drug not only has the effect of lowering blood fat but also has the effect of preventing cardiovascular events in patients with high cardiovascular risk. When you are assessed and advised by your doctor that you are at high cardiovascular risk for prevention with Lipcor, you may need long-term medication for good prophylaxis. Do not give up other chronic medications (eg drugs for hypertension, diabetes, etc.) when using drugs to control blood lipids. Because to prevent cardiovascular risk requires many factors, in which controlling chronic diseases is very important.
Drugs can interact with other drugs, so you should talk to your doctor, pharmacist when you need to take any more medicine for advice and adjust the dose if necessary. Avoid alcohol while taking the drug.
Please adhere to treatment and periodically follow up through follow-up visits with specialists so that you can achieve effective and safe treatment results.