Medicine Information

Aster-EZ

Name: Aster-EZ
Brand: Aster-EZ
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet10 mg/10 mgLipid-lowering agents, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and other lipid-modifying agentsATC: C10BA05

Generic Name

Atorvastatin 10 mg + Ezetimibe 10 mg

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
aster ez 10 mg tablet	৳ 13.00	৳ 130.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Aster-EZ 10 mg tablet is a combination medicine containing Atorvastatin (a statin) and Ezetimibe (a cholesterol absorption inhibitor). It is used to lower high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

Uses & Indications

Primary hypercholesterolemia (heterozygous familial and non-familial)

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

Mixed dyslipidemia

Prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease

Dosage

Adults

Typically one tablet (10 mg/10 mg) once daily, with or without food. Dosage adjustments based on lipid levels and patient response.

Elderly

No specific dosage adjustment required.

Renal_impairment

No dosage adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment; caution advised in severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min).

How to Take

Take orally, once daily, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew.

Mechanism of Action

Atorvastatin selectively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, primarily in the liver. Ezetimibe inhibits the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine by targeting the Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) protein, thereby complementing the action of atorvastatin.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Lipid-lowering effects typically observed within 2 weeks, maximal effect by 4 weeks.

Excretion

Atorvastatin: Primarily via biliary excretion. Ezetimibe: Primarily via fecal excretion, small amount renally.

Half life

Atorvastatin: Approximately 14 hours. Ezetimibe: Approximately 22 hours for total ezetimibe.

Absorption

Atorvastatin: Rapidly absorbed, peak plasma concentration within 1-2 hours. Ezetimibe: Rapidly absorbed, peak plasma concentration within 4-12 hours.

Metabolism

Atorvastatin: Extensively metabolized by CYP3A4. Ezetimibe: Extensively metabolized in the small intestine and liver to an active glucuronide.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases
Pregnancy and lactation
Hypersensitivity to atorvastatin, ezetimibe, or any component of the formulation

Drug Interactions

Warfarin

Potentiates the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, requiring careful INR monitoring.

Cholestyramine, Colestipol

May reduce the absorption of ezetimibe; administer ezetimibe at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after these agents.

Fibrates, Niacin (high dose), Cyclosporine, Gemfibrozil

Increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., Macrolides, Azole antifungals, Protease inhibitors)

Increased plasma concentrations of atorvastatin, increasing risk of adverse effects.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

There is no specific treatment for overdose. In the event of an overdose, symptomatic and supportive measures should be initiated.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Contraindicated during pregnancy (Category X for statins) and breastfeeding due to potential harm to the fetus/infant. Effective contraception is required for women of childbearing potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

1 x 10 tablets3 x 10 tablets

Shelf Life

24 months from manufacturing date

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

Approved by regulatory authorities (e.g., DGDA)

Patent Status

Generally expired for active ingredients

Clinical Trials

Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of both atorvastatin and ezetimibe, and their combination, in reducing lipid levels and cardiovascular risk.

Lab Monitoring

Liver function tests (LFTs) before initiation and periodically during treatment
Lipid profile (fasting) to monitor treatment efficacy
Creatine kinase (CK) levels if myopathy symptoms develop

Doctor Notes

Monitor lipid profile and LFTs regularly.
Educate patients on symptoms of myopathy and prompt reporting.
Consider dose reduction or temporary discontinuation if CK levels rise significantly or severe myopathy occurs.

Patient Guidelines

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
Adhere to a cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise program.
Avoid consuming large amounts of grapefruit juice.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.