What are the uses of Atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin is one of the HMG reducatase inhibitor that blocks production of cholesterol in the user's body. Its main purpose is to reduce the number of bad cholesterol or LDL in the body. However, it also decreases the amount of total cholesterol and Apolipoprotein B which is a protein that generates cholesterol. As it decreases the level of LDL, Atorvastatin also increases the level of good cholesterol in your system. By combining the two effects, this drug can reduce the risk of hardening of arteries that may cause to heart attack, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke.

Points of Discussion about Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin is a complicated drug. Thus, this drug demands special care in dosage. You as the patient should notify the doctor of any condition or situation that you are into. Do not take this drug without talking to your doctor first. He must know if you have a liver complication, or if you drink alcoholic beverages.

Your doctor should also know if you have a chronic muscle disease, blood disorder, or if you have complications that require surgery. If you have any of these conditions, your doctor will be compelled to change your medication, adjust your current dosage, or initiate special monitoring during your treatment.

Pregnant women are not advised to take Atorvastatin since it is known to be a cause of birth defects. Talk to your doctor if you plan on becoming pregnant during your treatment. If you are a breast-feeding mother, you are not advised to take Atorvastatin although it is not confirmed if the medicine can be passed on to the infant.

The Right Use of Atorvastatin

• Your doctor has the first and last say about your dosage of Atorvastatin. Follow your doctor's instructions completely and if you do not understand the doctor's instruction, make sure that you have them explained to you either from your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
• Have a full glass of water as you take Atorvastatin.
• Atorvastatin is dosed daily. Taking your dosage at the same time every day will give the best effect.
• You can take Atorvastatin with or without food.
• The doctor will require you to take blood tests and lab tests to monitor the health of your liver before he prescribes Atorvastatin. After the start of your treatment, the doctor will perform a check-up after twelve weeks, then every 6 months. These tests will tell your doctor if you need to adjust your medication.
• Do not drink grapefruit while under Atorvastatin treatment. Grapefruit interacts with Atorvastatin which can lead to dangerous effects. If you have grapefruit as part of your routine diet, discuss the risks with your doctor.
• Maintain a low fat and low cholesterol diet so that you can maximize the positive effects of Atorvastatin. It is counterproductive to eat fatty foods while trying to shed cholesterol.
• Stick to the regular scheduled dosage to get the most benefit.
• Atorvastatin is a long-term treatment. Constant monitoring is necessary to achieve the desired results.
• Store the drug in a cool and dry place.

What to do when you miss a dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if you forgot the dose by the time of the next dose, just skip the missed dosage and return to your regular schedule. Never take double dosage of Atorvastatin.

If you have overdosed with Atorvastatin, go to the nearest medical facility to receive help. You must take note that the symptoms of Atorvastatin are unknown.

Food to Avoid while Taking Atorvastatin

Alcohol - Atorvastatin and alcohol is damaging to the liver when combined. Do not take too much alcohol when you are under Atorvastatin medication. Talk to your doctor about the possible liver problems that you may acquire. Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice - Grapefruit and its juice interacts with Atorvastatin. This interaction may produce damaging effects. If you are taking grapefruit as part of your diet, do not modify your intake without talking to the doctor.

Probable Side Effects Patients have with Atorvastatin

Here are some effects of the side effects association with Atorvastatin:

• Muscle problems (Tenderness, weakness)
• Liver problems
• Abdominal pain
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Fatigue
• Dark urine
• Pale stools

Some patients experience these serious side effects. If this happens to you, call your doctor immediately or seek medical attention.

• Severe allergies such as rash, hives, itching, breathing difficulty, chest tightness, swelling in the mouth, lips, face, or tongue
• Decreased urine; rusty urine
• Blurred vision

There are other side effects that you may experience other than those listed here. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing anything unusual while you are undergoing treatment.

Drugs that interact with Atorvastatin:

• Alcohol beverages
• Antacids
• Oral Contraceptives
• Bosentan
• Antibiotics like clarithromycin, troleandomycin, or erythromycin
• Colestipol
• Diltiazem
• Fenofibrate
• Grapefruit juice
• Herbal medicines (Yeast, wort)
• Medicines against fungal complications
• Medicines for treating HIV infection
• Nefazodone
• Oxcarbazepine
• Pioglitazone
• Rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
• Verapamil
• Barbiturates
• Carbamazepine
• Cyclosporine
• Gemfibrozil
• Imatinib, STI-571
• Niacin
• Phenytoin
• Telithromycin

Shelf life of Atorvastatin:

The expiration date of Atorvastatin is mentioned in its blister pack. Take note that the expiration date is varied from different batches. Usually, the shelf life is two years from the time of manufacture.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.