Atorvastatin Tablets (10mg, 20mg, & 40mg)

Atorvastatin Warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product:

Atorvastatin is unsuitable for you if:

• You are allergic to Atorvastatin, to any of its inactive ingredients, or to any similar medicines
• You have a history of liver disease
• You are a woman able to have children but not using regular contraception
• You are breastfeeding, pregnant, or may become pregnant.

Atorvastatin may be unsuitable for you if:

• You have had a stroke
• You have any kidney problems
• You have hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid gland)
• You have a personal or family history of muscular problems
• You frequently consume large amounts of alcohol
• You are over the age of 70
• You have respiratory problems.

Before taking Atorvastatin, inform your GP if any of the above apply to you. They will perform a blood test before your treatment to assess your risk of potential side effects. You may also require further blood tests during your treatment.

Some other medicines may interact with Atorvastatin. This could impact the effectiveness of either (or both) of the medicines. Otherwise, the combination could increase your risk of certain side effects. These medicines include:

• Immunosuppressant drugs (Ciclosporin)
• Certain antibiotics or antifungal agents (erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, telithromycin, itraconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, rifampin, fusidic acid)
• Other medicines which regulate lipid levels (gemfibrozil, colestipol, other fibrates)
• Calcium channel blockers which treat angina or high blood pressure (amlodipine, diltiazem)
• Medicines that regulate the rhythm of the heart (digoxin, amiodarone, verapamil)
• HIV medicines (ritonavir, atazanavir, lopinavir, indinavir, darunavir)
• Anticoagulants (warfarin)
• Ezetimibe (for cholesterol)
• Oral contraceptives
• Stiripentol (for epilepsy)
• Phanazone
• Antacids
• Cimetidine (for heartburn and ulcers)
• Other medicines were acquired with no prescription.

The above list is not exhaustive. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Atorvastatin Dosage

Atorvastatin tablets should be taken whole with a sip of water. You will be advised to take 1 tablet per day. If you stop taking Atorvastatin, your body will likely resume producing large quantities of cholesterol, which may lead to complications. So, it must be taken long-term.

Atorvastatin is most effective if combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Prescription medicines should be only one part of a healthy lifestyle.

Atorvastatin Ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Atorvastatin is: atorvastatin calcium.

The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product:

Tablet core – Sodium hydroxide,Sodium laurilsulfate, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Lactose monohydrate, Microcrystalline cellulose, Croscarmellose sodium, Crospovidone, Magnesium stearate.

Film coating – Polyvinyl alcohol, Titanium dioxide (E171), Macrogol 3000, Talc.

Atorvastatin Side Effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take Atorvastatin, however, if you do they can include:

• Inflamed nasal passages
• Sore throat
• Bloody nose
• Allergic reactions
• Increase in blood sugar levels
• Increase in creatine kinase in the blood
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Digestive problems including nausea, diarrhoea, and indigestion
• Pain in the joints, muscles or back
• Abnormal liver function

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.