Atorvastatin

What is Atorvastatin for?

Atorvastatin belongs to the class of medications called Statins (also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). Statins lower the amount of 'bad cholesterol' (low density lipoprotein or LDL-cholesterol) and 'fat' (triglyceride) in the blood as well as increase the amount of 'good cholesterol' (high density lipoprotein or HDL-cholesterol). 

High 'bad cholesterol' levels can cause your blood vessels to clog up and lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack or stroke. Hence, statins may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke. 

How should I take or use Atorvastatin?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional. If you stop taking your medication, your 'bad cholesterol' level may rise again.
• You may take this medication with or without food. 

What should I do if I forget to take or use Atorvastatin?

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose.  

What precautions should I take when taking or using Atorvastatin?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are allergic to any other statins, or to any other medications 
• You are pregnant, planning to have a baby or breastfeeding
• You have liver or kidney problems

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Atorvastatin?

Avoid taking grapefruit or grapefruit juice as they may interact with your medication and increase the risk of side effects.

Avoid taking a supplement called red yeast rice as this supplement may increase the risk of side effects. 

Avoid or limit drinking alcohol to less than 3 drinks a day. Drinking too much alcohol may raise your chance of liver disease.

Some medications may interact with statins and affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. However, these medications may also be important for your treatment. Inform your healthcare professional of the other medications you are currently taking. Examples include:

• Warfarin, a blood thinning medication
• Medications for bacterial infections (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• Medications for fungal infections (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole) 

Consult your healthcare professional if you are unsure whether your existing medications can be taken together with statin. 

What are some common side effects of Atorvastatin?

• Mild muscle aches or weakness, or feeling tired
• Stomach disturbances such as stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea
• Headache, joint pain or back pain

Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects do not go away and become bothersome to you.

Very rarely, Statin may cause muscle or liver problems. Stop this medication and see a doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Breakdown of muscles - Unexplained, severe muscle pain that does not go away, muscle weakness or cramps all over your body, or dark brown urine 
• Liver injury - Dark brown urine, light coloured stools (pale grey/clay coloured), nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellowing of skin or eyes      

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately. 

How should I store Atorvastatin?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

How do I throw away Atorvastatin safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.