Rast tablet belongs to a class of drugs called statins. It is primarily used for the treatment of high cholesterol and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Following are some common uses of Rast Tablet:

  1. High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia): Rast is used to lower elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, in patients with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia. It can also help to increase levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), known as “good” cholesterol.
  2. Prevention of Cardiovascular Events: Rast is used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with known cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. It helps to prevent the progression of atherosclerosis (build-up of plaque in the arteries) and reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other related complications.
  3. Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Rast is often used for individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition characterized by very high cholesterol levels. It helps to lower LDL-C levels and manage the associated cardiovascular risks in these patients.
  4. Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in High-Risk Patients: Rast may be used for individuals with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, or a family history of early heart disease, even if their cholesterol levels are not significantly elevated. It can help to reduce the overall cardiovascular risk in these high-risk individuals.
  5. Primary Prevention in Individuals with Moderate Risk: In some cases, Rast may be considered for primary prevention in individuals with moderate risk of developing cardiovascular disease but who have other risk factors that warrant treatment, such as elevated levels of C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation) or high lifetime cardiovascular risk.

Off-label Uses of Rast Tablet

  1. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Rast may be used off-label in individuals with NAFLD, a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver. Some studies suggest that statins, including Rast, may have beneficial effects in reducing liver inflammation and improving liver function in NAFLD patients.
  2. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): There is emerging evidence suggesting that statins, including Rast, may have potential benefits in individuals with CKD, particularly in reducing proteinuria (excess protein in the urine) and slowing the progression of kidney disease. However, further research is needed in this area.
  3. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Some studies have investigated the potential anti-inflammatory effects of statins in rheumatoid arthritis. Rast, as a statin, may have off-label use in individuals with RA, but more research is required to determine its efficacy in this condition.
  4. Prevention of Dementia: There is ongoing research examining the potential role of statins, including Rast, in the prevention of dementia and cognitive decline. Some studies have shown promising results in terms of reducing the risk or progression of dementia, but more research is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
Rast Uses and Indications

What is Rast?

Rast is one of the leading brands of Rosuvastatin, manufactured and marketed by Tabros Pharma, Pakistan.

Rast Alternatives : Other Similar Brands

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

  • Rovista : Getz Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Rolip : Hilton 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.
  • Fourtius : High-Q Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Kestor : Scilife Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Rosuvax : Asian Continental Pharma (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Rast : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Rast is available in Tablet Form with the following strengths.

Rast Tablet : 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg strengths.

Who Should Not Use Rast?

Rast has certain contraindications, which are situations or conditions in which the use of Rast is not recommended due to potential risks and adverse effects.

Hypersensitivity: Rast is contraindicated in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to Rast or any component of the medication. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin rash to severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

Active Liver Disease: Rast is primarily metabolized by the liver, and its use is contraindicated in individuals with active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in liver function tests (LFTs) greater than three times the upper limit of normal. The use of Rast in these cases can exacerbate liver function abnormalities and increase the risk of serious liver complications.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Rast is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Statins, including Rast, have the potential to cause fetal harm, and their use should be avoided in pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant. It is not known whether Rast passes into breast milk, so it is recommended to discontinue breastfeeding or avoid Rast use while breastfeeding.

Concomitant Use of Certain Medications: Rast should not be used concomitantly with certain medications due to the increased risk of adverse effects or drug interactions. These include strong inhibitors of the enzyme cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, and HIV protease inhibitors. Additionally, gemfibrozil, another lipid-lowering agent, should not be co-administered with Rast.

What is the Recommended Daily Dosage of Rast?

Rast Dose for High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia):

  • One Tablet of 10mg or 20mg, once daily.
  • The dosage may be adjusted based on the patient’s response and the target cholesterol levels.

Rast Dose for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction:

  • Starting dose: One Tablet of 20mg, once daily is often recommended.
  • The dose may be adjusted based on the patient’s individual risk profile and treatment response.

Rast Dose for Pediatric Hyperlipidemia:

  • For children and adolescents aged 10 to 17 years: One Tablet of 5mg or 10mg, once daily.
  • The dose may be increased up to a maximum of 20mg Tablet daily based on the patient’s response.

How Rast Works?

Rast is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Rast works by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. By inhibiting this enzyme, It reduces the production of cholesterol within the liver cells.