ezetimibe and rosuvastatin calcium
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about EZALO COMPOSITE PACK. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What EZALO COMPOSITE PACK is used for
EZALO COMPOSITE PACK helps to lower cholesterol levels. It is used in people whose cholesterol levels are too high and when diet alone cannot lower these levels adequately.
What is high cholesterol
Cholesterol is one of several fatty substances found in the bloodstream. Your total cholesterol is made up mainly of LDL and HDL cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of your arteries forming plaque. Eventually this plaque build-up can lead to a narrowing of the arteries. This narrowing can slow or block blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and brain. This blocking of blood flow can result in a heart attack or stroke.
HDL cholesterol is often called "good" cholesterol because it helps keep the bad cholesterol from building up in the arteries and protects against heart disease.
How EZALO COMPOSITE PACK works
EZALO COMPOSITE PACK is a combination pack, which contains two different medicines. One is Ezetrol (ezetimibe) and the other is rosuvastatin (rosuvastatin calcium). EZALO COMPOSITE PACK reduces elevated total-cholesterol, LDL ('bad') cholesterol and increases HDL ('good') cholesterol.
EZALO COMPOSITE PACK works by decreasing the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine and by reducing the amount of cholesterol made in the liver.
Your doctor may have prescribed EZALO COMPOSITE PACK for another reason.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why EZALO COMPOSITE PACK has been prescribed for you.
EZALO COMPOSITE PACK is not addictive.
EZALO COMPOSITE PACK is available only with a doctor's prescription.
Use in children
EZALO COMPOSITE PACK is not recommended for use in children.
Before you take EZALO COMPOSITE PACK
When you must not take it
Do not take EZALO COMPOSITE PACK if:
you have an allergy to EZALO COMPOSITE PACK or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
shortness of breath
wheezing or difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or other parts of the body
rash, itching or hives on the skin
you have had muscle pain, tenderness or weakness from other medicines used to treat high cholesterol or triglycerides.
you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
If you are a woman of child-bearing age and are taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK, use a proven method of birth control to avoid pregnancy.
The medicine may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy.
you are breast-feeding.
This medicine may pass into breast milk and affect your baby.
you have active liver disease.
you are taking any medicine containing fusidic acid (for bacterial infections)
the expiry date on the pack has passed or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
If you take EZALO COMPOSITE PACK after the expiry date has passed, it may not work.
Return any expired or damaged EZALO COMPOSITE PACK to your pharmacist for disposal
Do not take EZALO COMPOSITE PACK together with fenofibrate if:
you have gall bladder disease.
Do not use EZALO COMPOSITE PACK 10mg+40mg if you:
have low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
have a personal or family history of hereditary muscular disorders
have a previous history of muscular problems from using other medicines used to treat high cholesterol or triglycerides
have a history of very heavy alcohol consumption
have severe kidney impairment
are of Asian descent
are taking another type of lipid-lowering medicine called a fibrate
Before taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK 10mg+40mg, talk to your doctor about situations that can increase rosuvastatin blood levels.
Also talk to your doctor if you are not sure whether you should start taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK.
Before you start to take it
Your doctor will ask you to have your liver function tested before you start to take EZALO COMPOSITE PACK.
Tell your doctor if:
you have any allergies to any other medicines or any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
you have, or have had, any medical condition, including:
liver problems
Your doctor will do a blood test to make sure you have no problems with your liver.
kidney problems
personal or family history of muscle problems
muscle pain, tenderness or weakness from other medicines used to treat high cholesterol or triglycerides
unexplained muscle aches or pains in your muscle
breathing problems
low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
diabetes or risk factors for diabetes
you drink alcohol regularly. Excessive alcohol consumption may not be safe in patients taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you start taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines should not be taken with EZALO COMPOSITE PACK, including:
- fusidic acid, antibiotic used to treat infection
- fenofibrate (a medicine to lower triglyceride levels) if you have gall bladder disease
Some medicines may be affected by EZALO COMPOSITE PACK, or may affect how well it works, or may increase the risk of side effects with EZALO COMPOSITE PACK. You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines or take your medicines at different times. Your doctor will advise you.
Tell your doctor if…
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine, used to lower cholesterol levels
other medicines to lower cholesterol or triglyceride levels, for example, gemfibrozil, other fibrates, Vitamin B3
warfarin or fluindione, used to prevent blood clots
HIV protease inhibitors, used to treat HIV infection
hepatitis C antiviral agents, such as elbasvir or grazoprevir, used to treat the hepatitis C virus infection
colchicine, used to treat gout
cyclosporin, used to suppress the immune system
antacids, used to treat reflux or ulcers. EZALO COMPOSITE PACK should be taken 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking antacid.
Your doctor or pharmacist has more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK.
How to take EZALO COMPOSITE PACK
Take EZALO COMPOSITE PACK only when prescribed by your doctor.
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
If you are currently taking a medicine that contains ezetimibe and/or rosuvastatin which are contained in EZALO COMPOSITE PACK:
stop taking your current medicine(s) that contain ezetimibe and/or rosuvastatin as this may result in you taking more medicine than you need
take the remaining medicine(s) to your pharmacist for safe disposal
Check with your doctor if you are not sure about the medicines you are taking.
How much to take
There are two different medicines in EZALO COMPOSITE PACK. Your doctor will prescribe a strength that is appropriate for you. It is very important that you take EZALO COMPOSITE PACK exactly as follows:
Take one Ezetrol (ezetimibe) tablet and one MSD Rosuvastatin (rosuvastatin) tablet at the same time once a day.
If your doctor has increased the strength of EZALO COMPOSITE PACK tablets you take, do not take multiple doses of any remaining supplies of lower strength EZALO COMPOSITE PACK tablets instead of the new higher strength tablets as this will result in you taking more medicine (ezetimibe) than you need.
How to take it
Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.
Do not chew or crush the tablets.
When to take it
EZALO COMPOSITE PACK can be taken at any time of the day. However, EZALO COMPOSITE PACK should be taken at about the same time each day.
Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.
Take EZALO COMPOSITE PACK with or without food.
Taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK with other cholesterol-lowering agents
Your doctor may ask you to take EZALO COMPOSITE PACK with other cholesterol-lowering agents such as bile acid sequestrants.
If you are taking a bile acid sequestrant, such as cholestyramine, take EZALO COMPOSITE PACK either at least two hours before or four hours after taking the bile acid sequestrant.
How long to take it
Take EZALO COMPOSITE PACK every day and continue taking it for as long as your doctor tells you.
EZALO COMPOSITE PACK helps to lower your cholesterol levels but does not cure your condition. If you stop taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK your cholesterol levels may rise again.
If you forget to take it
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your tablets as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
This may increase the chance of you getting a side effect.
If you are not sure what to do, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
If you take too much (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much EZALO COMPOSITE PACK. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
You or anyone else may need urgent medical attention.
While you are taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK
Things you must do
If you become pregnant while you are taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK, stop taking it and tell your doctor immediately.
Keep all your doctor's appointments.
Even if you are taking medicines to treat high cholesterol, it is important to have your cholesterol measured regularly. You should also know your cholesterol levels and goals.
Your doctor will ask you to have your liver function tested from time to time while you are taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK. This may help prevent unwanted side effects.
Your doctor may adjust your dose depending on the result of the test. If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK.
Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK.
Things you must not do
Do not take EZALO COMPOSITE PACK to treat any other conditions unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not give EZALO COMPOSITE PACK to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Things to be careful of
Avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol.
Drinking large quantities of alcohol while taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK may increase your chance of getting liver problems.
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how EZALO COMPOSITE PACK affects you.
There have been side effects reported with EZALO COMPOSITE PACK that may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Individual responses to EZALO COMPOSITE PACK may vary.
Things that may help your condition
Lifestyle Changes -
This includes a cholesterol-lowering diet, increasing physical activity, and weight management. Ask your doctor for advice before increasing physical activity.
Medicines -
Cholesterol-lowering medicines are used together with lifestyle changes to help lower cholesterol.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK.
EZALO COMPOSITE PACK helps most people with high cholesterol levels, but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects.
Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects.
You may not experience any of them.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor if…
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
diarrhoea
muscle aches, spasms, tiredness or weakness
constipation
nausea
stomach or belly pain
heartburn, indigestion or wind
aches and pain
pain in arms and legs
trouble sleeping
dizziness
headache
tingling or numbness of the hands or feet
hot flush
shortness of breath
unusual tiredness or weakness
generally feeling unwell
memory loss
itchy skin
decreased appetite
dry mouth
swelling, especially in the hands and feet
cough
Tell your doctor if you have been diagnosed with:
inflammation of the pancreas
gallstones
inflammation of the gallbladder
elevation in some laboratory blood tests of liver or muscle function
depression
elevation in blood glucose levels
diabetes
high blood pressure
thyroid function abnormalities
The above list includes the more common and uncommon side effects of your medicine. They are usually mild and short-lived.
Tell your doctor if you notice a significant increase in your need to urinate or if you are significantly more hungry or thirsty than usual.
Tell your doctor immediately if…
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
skin rash and hives
raised red rash, sometimes with circular-shaped lesions
steady abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting
joint pain
bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
yellowing of the skin and eyes
dark coloured urine
light coloured bowel motions
problems with breathing including shortness of breath, persistent cough and fever
These may be serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention.
Go to hospital if…
If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital:
swelling of the face, lips, mouth, throat or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
These may be serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious allergic reaction to EZALO COMPOSITE PACK. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare.
chest pain
unexpected muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness not caused by exercise, particularly if you also have a fever or generally feel unwell.
This may be a serious side effect. This is because on rare occasions, muscle problems can be serious including muscle breakdown resulting in kidney damage. You may need urgent medical attention.
severe blisters and bleeding of the lips, eyes, mouth, nose or genitals.
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.
After taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK
Storage
Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Do not store EZALO COMPOSITE PACK or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep it where children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking EZALO COMPOSITE PACK or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.
Product description
What it looks like
EZALO COMPOSITE PACK comes in four different strengths:
EZALO COMPOSITE PACK 10 mg + 5 mg
EZALO COMPOSITE PACK 10 mg + 10 mg
EZALO COMPOSITE PACK 10 mg + 20 mg
EZALO COMPOSITE PACK 10 mg + 40 mg
Ezetrol 10 mg tablet is a white to off-white, capsule-shaped tablet with "414" marked on one side.
MSD Rosuvastatin 5 mg is a white to off-white, round, film coated tablet with "RSV 5" marked on one side.
MSD Rosuvastatin 10 mg is a white to off-white, round, film coated tablet with "RSV 10" marked on one side.
MSD Rosuvastatin 20 mg is a white to off-white, round, film coated tablet with "RSV 20" marked on one side.
MSD Rosuvastatin 40 mg is a white to off-white, round, film coated tablet with "RSV 40" marked on one side.
Ezetrol 10mg and MSD Rosuvastatin (5, 10, 20, 40 mg) are supplied in 10-day calendar packs of 10 Ezetrol and 10 MSD Rosuvastatin tablets.
A trade pack contains 3 x 10-day calendar packs.
A starter pack contains 1 x 10-day calendar pack.
Ingredients
Ezetrol
Active ingredient:
Ezetimibe 10 mg per tablet.
Inactive ingredients:
Croscarmellose sodium
Magnesium stearate
Lactose
Microcrystalline cellulose
Povidone
Sodium lauryl sulfate
MSD Rosuvastatin
Active ingredient:
Rosuvastatin (as rosuvastatin calcium) 5 mg per tablet.
Rosuvastatin (as rosuvastatin calcium) 10 mg per tablet.
Rosuvastatin (as rosuvastatin calcium) 20 mg per tablet.
Rosuvastatin (as rosuvastatin calcium) 40 mg per tablet.
Inactive ingredients:
Purified talc
Microcrystalline cellulose
Silicon dioxide
Colloidal anhydrous silica
Maize starch
Sodium stearylfumarate
Hypromellose
Mannitol
Anhydrous lactose
Macrogol 6000
