Fortius is a medication primarily used to lower high cholesterol levels in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which are known for their effectiveness in reducing LDL cholesterol (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol) levels. The following are some common uses and indications of Fortius Tablet:

  1. Lowering LDL Cholesterol: Fortius Tablet is used to reduce the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.
  2. Increasing HDL Cholesterol: The use of Fortius Tablet can also help increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “good” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is beneficial because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
  3. Reducing Triglycerides: Using Fortius tablets may have a modest effect on lowering triglyceride levels, another type of fat found in the blood. Elevated triglycerides can contribute to heart disease risk.
  4. Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: Beyond its effects on cholesterol levels, Fortius Tablet is often used to reduce the overall risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, particularly in individuals with multiple risk factors for heart disease.
  5. Preventing Atherosclerosis: By lowering LDL cholesterol levels, Fortius Tablet can help slow or prevent the buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries. Atherosclerosis can lead to narrowed and hardened arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
  6. Management of Hyperlipidemia: Fortius Tablet is used to treat various types of hyperlipidemia, including primary hypercholesterolemia (heterozygous familial and non-familial) and mixed dyslipidemia.
  7. Post-Cardiac Event: After certain cardiac events, such as heart attacks, healthcare providers often prescribe Fortius Tablet to help prevent future events and manage underlying cardiovascular risk factors.

Off-label Uses of Fortius Tablet

  1. Prevention of Vascular Events: While Fortius Tablet is primarily indicated for managing cholesterol levels, it may be considered for individuals at high risk of vascular events, such as stroke and peripheral arterial disease, even if their cholesterol levels are within normal limits.
  2. Diabetes Management: Fortius Tablet may have a role in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It may be used off-label in certain cases to address both cholesterol and diabetes management.
  3. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Fortius Tablet has been trialed for its potential benefits in reducing liver inflammation and improving liver function in individuals with NAFLD, especially those with elevated cholesterol levels.
  4. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Some trials have investigated the use of Fortius Tablet as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis due to its potential anti-inflammatory effects. However, their role in this condition is still under investigation.
  5. Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Decline: Fortius tablet has been used off-label for its potential to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, although the evidence remains inconclusive.
  6. Prevention of Preeclampsia: Fortius Tablet might reduce the risk of preeclampsia (a complication of pregnancy). However, this use is not established and should only be considered under special circumstances.
  7. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Fortius Tablet is used off-label in managing the inflammation associated with multiple sclerosis. However, more research is needed in this area.
Fortius Tablet Uses and Indications

What is Fortius?

Fortius is one of the leading brands of Rosuvastatin, manufactured and marketed by High-Q International.

Fortius Tablet’s Alternatives : Other Similar Brands

The following are some available alternative brands of Fortius and their manufacturers.

  • Rovista : Getz Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Rosubar : Barrett Hodgson Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
  • Rosera : Sami Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Rostor : Saffron Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Ruvastat : Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Ltd.
  • Rosulin : Highnoon Laboratories Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
  • Crestat : (CCL) Consolidated Chemical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Rolip : Hilton Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Kestor : Scilife Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Rosuvax : Asian Continental Pharma (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Rast : Tabros Pharma, Pakistan.

Fortius : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Fortius is available in Tablet form.

  • Fortius Tablet : 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg strengths.

Who Should Not Use Fortius? – Contraindications

Fortius tablets have certain contraindications, meaning there are situations or conditions in which the use of this medication is not recommended.

  1. Hypersensitivity or Allergy: Individuals who have had a hypersensitivity reaction or allergy to rosuvastatin or any of the other components in the formulation should not take this medication.
  2. Active Liver Disease: Fortius Tablet may potentially exacerbate liver dysfunction. It is generally contraindicated in individuals with active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations in liver function tests.
  3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Fortius Tablet is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the potential for harm to the developing fetus. It is also not recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it may be excreted in breast milk.
  4. Severe Renal Impairment: In individuals with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min), the use of Fortius Tablet should be approached with caution, and the dosage may need to be adjusted.
  5. History of Myopathy or Rhabdomyolysis: Fortius Tablet, like other statins, may increase the risk of myopathy (muscle-related side effects) and, in rare cases, rhabdomyolysis (a severe muscle condition). It is generally contraindicated in individuals with a history of these conditions.
  6. Alcohol Abuse: Individuals with a history of alcohol abuse may have an increased risk of liver problems when taking Fortius Tablet. This should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
  7. Children: The safety and efficacy of Fortius Tablet in children under 10 years of age have not been established. Therefore, it is typically not recommended for use in this age group.
  8. Hereditary Disorders of Galactose Intolerance, Lapp Lactase Deficiency, or Glucose-Galactose Malabsorption: Fortius Tablet tablets contain lactose, which may be contraindicated in individuals with these rare hereditary disorders.

What is the Recommended Daily Dosage of Fortius?

Fortius Tablet Dose for Hypercholesterolemia:

  • One tablet of 10 to 20 mg, once daily.
  • Depending on the individual’s response, the dosage may be increased to a maximum of 40 mg daily.

Fortius Tablet Dose for Mixed Dyslipidemia:

  • Starting Dose: 10 mg, once daily.

Fortius Tablet Dose for Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia:

  • Starting Dose: 20 mg, once daily.

Fortius Tablet Dose for Prevention of Cardiovascular Events:

  • One Tablet of 20 mg, once daily.

Fortius Tablet Dose for Pediatric Patients:

  • For children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 years with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
  • The usual starting dose is 5 to 10 mg taken orally once daily.

How Fortius Works?

Fortius is a medication classified as a statin, also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Its primary mode of action involves targeting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a crucial role in cholesterol production in the liver.