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

What is Atorvastatin and what is it used for?

Atorvastatin tablets are prescribed to help treat high cholesterol. This treatment is most effective when combined with exercise and a healthy diet. You will likely begin by taking 20mg of Atorvastatin each day; your GP will adjust this prescription depending on your needs and cholesterol level. Atorvastatin is available in strengths of 10mg, 20mg, 40mg & 80mg.

What is high cholesterol?

Having high cholesterol can potentially have serious health implications. If left untreated, the condition can lead to heart attack and stroke. Having high cholesterol doesn’t necessarily present with any external symptoms, which is why it is important to be aware of your cholesterol levels.

In many cases, high cholesterol can be attributed to lifestyle choices. For example, diets rich in fatty foods and alcohol will likely raise your cholesterol levels. Also, a lack of exercise can also help raise your cholesterol levels. Alternatively, high cholesterol can be the result of a preexisting medical condition, such as diabetes. Some people may be more prone to having high cholesterol problems because of their genes – having a close family member with the condition will increase your chances of developing high cholesterol.

Cholesterol isn’t always bad. At lower levels, the substance plays an essential role in the bloodstream. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or ‘good’ cholesterol, is responsible for transporting fats throughout the body. This action is required so that cells and tissues can receive the nutrients they need to grow. However, the HDL required to perform these duties is already produced naturally in the liver.

When cholesterol levels in the blood start to increase, due to poor diet and other lifestyle factors, these fatty substances begin to clump together. These sticky clumps can cause blockages that inhibit the flow of blood through the body. This is known as low-density lipoprotein or ‘bad’ cholesterol.

How does Atorvastatin work?

Atorvastatin actively works to reduce the activity of an enzyme found in the liver. This enzyme is responsible for producing cholesterol. So, by inhibiting this enzyme's action, the overall cholesterol levels in the body are reduced. This will result in a decreased risk of developing circulatory problems.

Non-prescription alternatives for treating high cholesterol

• Becoming more active
• Adjusting your diet to avoid foods that are high in saturated fats and generally eating healthier - 7 Easy Ways You Can Help Yourself Lose Weight At Home
• Aspirin can help prevent blood clotting and help lower cholesterol
• Giving up smoking - How Do You Stop Smoking: Guide For First Time Quitters
• Reducing alcohol intake

Sources

• Atorvastatin Tablets, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...

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.