Maoris (Ezetimibe, Rosuvastatin)

Maoris is indicated for lipid disorders and works within the cholesterol metabolism pathway.

• Hypercholesterolemia: reduces LDL‑C and total cholesterol levels.
• Mixed dyslipidemia: improves the overall lipid profile by lowering triglycerides and raising HDL‑C.
• Familial hypercholesterolemia: provides additional LDL‑C reduction when statin monotherapy is insufficient.

• Ezetimibe blocks the Niemann‑Pick C1‑like 1 (NPC1L1) transporter in the intestinal brush border, preventing dietary and biliary cholesterol absorption. Rosuvastatin competitively inhibits HMG‑CoA reductase, the key enzyme in hepatic cholesterol synthesis, leading to up‑regulation of LDL receptors and enhanced clearance of circulating LDL particles.

Adverse reactions to Maoris may vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort: including nausea, abdominal pain or diarrhoea.
• Myalgia: muscle aches without weakness.
• Elevated liver enzymes: transient increases in ALT/AST.
• Dizziness: occasional light‑headedness.
• Fatigue: general feeling of tiredness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Rhabdomyolysis: severe muscle breakdown with potential renal failure.
• Acute liver injury: marked elevation of hepatic enzymes or jaundice.
• Myopathy: muscle weakness with elevated CK.
• Severe allergic reactions: rash, angioedema or anaphylaxis.
• Pancreatitis: abdominal pain with elevated pancreatic enzymes.
• Hepatic necrosis: rare but life‑threatening liver damage.

Before prescribing Maoris, clinicians should consider several precautionary measures.

• Liver function monitoring: check baseline and periodic hepatic enzymes.
• Muscle symptom assessment: evaluate for myalgia or weakness.
• Renal function evaluation: adjust in severe impairment.
• Avoid in active liver disease: contraindicated in patients with hepatic dysfunction.
• Pregnancy and lactation: safety not established; use only if benefits outweigh risks.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in original packaging, protect from moisture and light.

Maoris can interact with other medicines, affecting its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Cyclosporine: increases rosuvastatin exposure, raising risk of myopathy.
• Gemfibrozil: combined use markedly raises statin levels, increasing risk of rhabdomyolysis.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin): elevate ezetimibe concentrations, may cause liver toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Warfarin: may enhance anticoagulant effect; monitor INR closely.
• Digoxin: potential increase in serum levels; observe for signs of toxicity.
• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: may reduce ezetimibe absorption; separate dosing by at least 2 hours.