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Atorvastatin Calcium is a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor and lowers blood cholesterol and fat levels. It belongs to the group of drugs called statins, or lipid (fat) regulating drugs. These cholesterol-lowering medications are usually prescribed by doctors to patients with elevated cholesterol and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Atorvastatin keeps cholesterol levels under control.
Atorvastatin addresses the bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and maintains the good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol). It inhibits the production of LDL cholesterol in the liver and reduces the production of excess fats. This causes a reduction in cholesterol and fat content.
Now that we’ve defined what atorvastatin calcium is, let’s see what it can be used for, the warnings, and possible side effects.
Uses
Before you start to take atorvastatin, read the patient information leaflet when you get the drug and each time you get a refill. If you have certain concerns or questions, always ask your doctor or pharmacist to feel more at ease.
The medication is taken by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once per day. The dosage is based on your specific medical condition, the response to a particular treatment, age, and other medicaments you may be taking. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products and medications you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and even herbal products.
Grapefruit can increase the amount of this drug in your bloodstream so try to avoid consuming it or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
If by any chance you take other drugs for lowering your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol, take atorvastatin at least one hour before or wait at least 4 hours after taking these medications. These products may react with atorvastatin which prevents its full absorption.
If you want to get the most benefit from this medication, make sure to take it regularly and at the same time each day. Even if you feel your best, never forget to take this medication. Besides this, it’s incredibly important to continue to follow your doctor’s advice about your diet and exercise routine. Keep in mind that it may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication.
Warnings
Before you take atorvastatin, you must let your doctor or pharmacist know if you’re allergic to it or have any other allergies. Atorvastatin may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other complications.
You must also share your medical history with your doctor, especially if you suffer from liver disease, kidney disease, or if you have a history of using alcohol.
If you’re having surgery, you must tell your doctor about all the products you use. Also make sure to limit your alcohol intake, as it may increase your risk for liver problems, especially if combined with atorvastatin.
The elderly may be more sensitive to this drug, and experience muscle problems.
This medication shouldn’t be used during pregnancy as it can harm an unborn baby. If you need more details, consult your doctor and discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. There’s no information if this drug passes into breast milk and because of possible risks to the infant, it’s not recommended to breastfeed while using this drug.
Side Effects
As with all medications, atorvastatin may cause side effects and . In fact, different statins affect people in different ways.
A rare but severe side effect is unexplained muscle aches and pains, weakness, and tenderness which may happen a few weeks or even months after first taking this medicine. If the side effects are truly bothersome, talk to your doctor or pharmacist and they may recommend an alternative statin.
Certain side effects may improve after the first couple of days as your body gets used to the drug. Continue to take the drug but consult your doctor if the side effects become unbearable and don’t go away.
The most common side effects are a person feeling sick, suffering from headaches, aches, and pain in the back and joints, nosebleeds, sore throat, cold-like symptoms, constipation, or diarrhea.
Serious side effects when taking this medication are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people. If you experience serious side effects like cramps, muscle pain, yellow skin or the whites in your eye turning yellow, dark pee or pale poo, severe stomach pain, shortness of breath, or weight loss, stop taking atorvastatin and immediately call your doctor.
Final Thoughts
Atorvastatin Calcium has shown to be effective in people with risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure, low HDL, and stroke. However, before consuming this medicine, make sure to read about the uses, warning, and possible side effects and discuss it with your doctor.
