PRINCETON, N.J. — Sandoz has launched rosuvastatin calcium tablets, a cholesterol-lowering medication, in the United States.

The Novartis division said Thursday that its rosuvastatin calcium product, a generic version of Crestor from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, will be marketed in dosages of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg.

U.S. sales for Crestor totaled approximately $6.7 billion for the 12 months ended in May, according to IMS Health data reported by Sandoz.

“The U.S. launch of rosuvastatin calcium is a strategic addition to the broad portfolio of generic medicines that Sandoz offers to improve cardiovascular health in adults,” Sandoz president Peter Goldschmidt stated. “As a leader in the generics market, Sandoz strives to
constantly find new, differentiated ways to deliver affordable, high-quality health care solutions to the people who need them.”

Prescribed for adults who can’t control their cholesterol levels by diet and exercise alone, rosuvastatin calcium tablets are used, along with diet, to reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL), raise the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL) and/or lower the level of fat in the blood (triglycerides).