Atorvastatin

What is Atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin belongs to a group of medicines called statins. Statins help lower cholesterol levels in patients with high blood cholesterol. They also help reduce the risks of heart disease, including strokes and heart attacks.

 

You might also require statin if you have a family history of heart disease or other long-term health conditions such at diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

 

The narrowing reduces the blood flow through the artery and increases the risk of a number of heart and blood vessel diseases, such as heart attack and stroke.

 

How does it work?

Atrovastatin prevents the production of cholesterol by the liver and also reduces the levels of cholesterol and other fats in your body. Atorvastatin does this by blocking the action of a certain enzyme which is needed to make cholesterol. This is important because when there is excessive cholesterol, you can accumulate small fatty patches on the wall of blood vessels and block them. This increases number of heart and blood vessel diseases, such as heart attack and stroke.

 

How to take Atorvastatin

Always take your tablets exactly as your doctor has instructed you.

 

It can be taken with or without food, Swallow the correct number of tablets with glass of water. Ask doctor for advice if you are unsure of the dose to take.

 

Take atorvastatin once a day in the evening. This is because your body makes most cholesterol at night. The usual dose is 10mg to 80mg, your dose depends on your cholesterol levels and what’s other medicines you are taking.

 

Atorvastatin doesn’t upset the stomach, so you can take it with or without food. Swallow atorvastatin tablets whole with a glass of water.

 

What if I forget to take it?

 

If you occasionally forget to take a dose, take your next dose the next day at the usual time, never take 2 doses at the same time and never take extra doses.

 

If you often forget doses, may be useful to set an alarm as a reminder.

 

What to do if you take too much?

 

Taking an extra dose of atorvastatin by accident is unlikely to cause harm but if it happens speak to your doctor for further advice.

 

How long will I take atorvastatin for?

 

Treatment is usually for life. The benefits will continue as long as you take it. If stopped, cholesterol levels might rise again.

 

Are statins safe?

 

Statins are thought to be very safe and effective medicines.

 

Precautions

Atorvastatin should only be used after a consultation with a doctor as it can cause serious side-effects especially people in the following conditions.

 

·      If you have kidney disease.

·      If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism);

·      If you have past history of liver disease.

·      If you have alcohol problems (If you regularly drink large amounts of alcohol).

·      If you have a muscle disorder in yourself or a blood relative.

·      If you have side effects affecting your muscles when taking another cholesterol-lowering medicine such as statin or fibrate.

·      Severe stomach pains.

·      If you have recently been prescribed a new medication.[

 

Side-effects

Atorvastatin is generally a very safe medicine but like all, atorvastatin Tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

 

Stop taking the tablets and seek immediate medical attention should you experience any of these effects:

 

Serious allergic reactions, such shortness of breath, tongue and throat swelling.

·      Problem with touch (numbness, tingling pins and needles).

·      Yellowish discolouration of the skin, pale stool.

·      Severe stomach pains.

·      Severe muscle pain or joint pains.

 

 

common Side effects

 

·      Dizziness

·      Headache

·      Heart burn

·      Nausea/Vomiting/Constipation.

·      Diarrhoea/Flatulence

·      Muscle cramps

 

Uncommon Side effects

 

·      Scalp and hair problems

·      Sexual dysfunction

·      Abnormal urination

·      Vision problems

·      Sleep disturbances

 

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you think you have experienced a side effect from a medicine or vaccine you should check the patient information leaflet. This lists the known side effects and what to do if you get them. You can also get advice from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. If they think it’s necessary they’ll report it for you.

You can also report side effects yourself using the yellow card website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.[/vc_column_text]