Unistar 150

UNISTAR 150 Capsule

UNISTAR 150 is a prescription medication manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It is a combination medicine primarily used for cardiovascular protection.

• Composition: Each UNISTAR 150 capsule contains:

  • Rosuvastatin (10 mg): A lipid-lowering agent (statin) that works by blocking an enzyme in the liver responsible for cholesterol production. It reduces "bad" cholesterol (LDL and triglycerides) and increases "good" cholesterol (HDL).
  • Aspirin (150 mg): A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with antiplatelet action. It prevents platelets from clumping together, thereby decreasing the formation of harmful blood clots.

• Uses: UNISTAR 150 is prescribed for:

  • Prevention of heart attacks and strokes.
  • Prevention of other cardiovascular complications in high-risk individuals.
  • Management of stable or unstable angina (heart-related chest pain).
  • Control of dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels).
  • Helping patients with confirmed coronary artery disease requiring surgical revascularisation (like CABG or angioplasty).
  • Managing peripheral arterial disease, which involves narrowed arteries reducing blood flow to the limbs.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • UNISTAR 150 should be taken as directed by your doctor.
  • Typically, one capsule is taken daily.
  • It is recommended to take the capsule whole with a glass of water, preferably with food to minimize stomach upset.
  • Avoid chewing, crushing, or opening the capsule.
  • It should be taken regularly at evenly spaced intervals, ideally at the same time each day for consistency.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen your condition and increase the risk of future cardiovascular events.

• Side Effects:

  • Common: Diarrhea, nausea, constipation, excessive gas, headache, dizziness, insomnia, joint pain, muscle pain, itching of the skin, fatigue, abdominal pain.
  • Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless, resolving upon discontinuation of the medicine. However, if any serious side effects or worsening symptoms occur, consult your doctor.

• Precautions:

  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: UNISTAR 150 is generally not recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy and is considered unsafe during pregnancy due to harmful effects on the fetus. It is not advised for lactating women.
  • Liver Disease: Use with caution in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment; it is not recommended for severe liver impairment.
  • Kidney Disease: Use with caution in patients with kidney problems.
  • Bleeding Disorders/Peptic Ulcers: Not recommended for use in individuals with active bleeding or hemorrhagic disorders, or active peptic ulcers, as Aspirin can aggravate these conditions and increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Asthma: Patients with a history of Aspirin-induced asthma should avoid this medicine.
  • Alcohol: Reduce alcohol intake as it may increase the risk of liver damage and bleeding.
  • Surgery: Inform your doctor about taking UNISTAR 150 before any scheduled surgery, as it may need to be stopped a few days prior due to an increased risk of bleeding.
  • Children: Not recommended for use in children below 16 years of age due to the increased risk of Reye's syndrome.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all current medications, supplements, or herbal products, especially antibiotics (erythromycin), antifungals (ketoconazole), antiviral medicines (ritonavir), methotrexate, fusidic acid, and other blood-thinning medications.

• Storage: Store UNISTAR 150 capsules in a cool and dry place, protected from sunlight, ideally below 30°C. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

UNISTAR 150 Capsule: Frequently Asked Questions

What is UNISTAR 150 Capsule used for?

UNISTAR 150 Capsule is primarily used to prevent serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. It is also prescribed to lower abnormally elevated cholesterol and fat levels (hyperlipidaemia or dyslipidaemia) in the body and to manage angina (heart-related chest pain). This medication is often recommended for individuals at high risk of these conditions.

How does UNISTAR 150 Capsule work?

UNISTAR 150 Capsule contains two active ingredients: Rosuvastatin (10mg) and Aspirin (150mg). Rosuvastatin belongs to a class of medicines called statins. It works by blocking liver enzymes, which reduces the liver's production of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL) and increases "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein or HDL) in the blood. Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with anti-platelet action. It decreases the formation of blood clots by preventing platelets from sticking together. Together, these actions help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of clot formation and plaque buildup in arteries.

What is the usual dosage for UNISTAR 150 Capsule?

The usual dosage for UNISTAR 150 Capsule is typically one capsule daily, or as advised by your doctor. It should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed, broken, or chewed. It is often recommended to take it with food to avoid stomach upset. Always follow your doctor's prescribed dosage and do not exceed it.

What are the possible side effects of UNISTAR 150 Capsule?

Common side effects of UNISTAR 150 Capsule can include nausea, headache, muscle pain, dizziness, constipation, and diarrhea. Other potential side effects may include abdominal pain, heartburn, indigestion, insomnia, joint pain, and fatigue. Most of these side effects are usually temporary and resolve over time. However, if any side effects persist or worsen, it is important to consult your doctor.

Is UNISTAR 150 Capsule safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

UNISTAR 150 Capsule is generally considered unsafe and is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may have harmful effects on the fetus. If pregnancy is detected while taking this medicine, it should be discontinued immediately. Similarly, it is advised to avoid UNISTAR 150 Capsule while breastfeeding, as its components may pass into breastmilk and harm the baby. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding before taking this medication.

Can UNISTAR 150 Capsule be taken with other medications?

UNISTAR 150 Capsule can interact with several other medications. It may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants (blood thinners like warfarin and heparin) or other NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and naproxen). Interactions can also occur with certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, fusidic acid), antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), SSRIs (antidepressants like fluoxetine), and some lipid-lowering fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil). It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking to prevent potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while taking UNISTAR 150 Capsule?

Several precautions should be observed while taking UNISTAR 150 Capsule. Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver or kidney disease, bleeding issues, muscle problems, or asthma. Patients with severe liver impairment, active bleeding disorders, or peptic ulcers should avoid this medicine. It is also advised to limit or avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of liver damage and bleeding. If you are scheduled for any surgery (including dental), inform your doctor, as they might ask you to stop taking this medicine a few days prior due to the increased risk of bleeding. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels may be necessary if you have diabetes, as this medicine can affect them.

What happens if a dose of UNISTAR 150 Capsule is missed?

If you miss a dose of UNISTAR 150 Capsule, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

How should UNISTAR 150 Capsule be stored?

UNISTAR 150 Capsule should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. It should also be kept out of sight and reach of children. The ideal storage temperature is typically between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.