Atorvastatin: What Is It? What Is It Used For? Detailed Prospectus

Active Ingredient: Atorvastatin

• Statin: Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Hyperlipidemia: It is primarily prescribed to lower high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad cholesterol,” and to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), “good cholesterol.”
• Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: Atorvastatin is used to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events, particularly in individuals with high cholesterol, diabetes, or those at high risk for heart disease.
• Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Atorvastatin is also used to treat individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition that results in very high cholesterol levels.

• Adults: The usual starting dose for high cholesterol is 10 to 20 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 80 mg per day.
• Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: To reduce cardiovascular events, the starting dose is typically 40 mg per day, which can be adjusted based on the patient’s response.
• Special Instructions: Atorvastatin should be taken once daily, with or without food. It is important to follow a low-cholesterol diet and exercise plan while taking Atorvastatin. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose.

• Common: Headache, muscle pain, joint pain, and nausea.
• Severe: Muscle weakness, tenderness, or pain (which may indicate a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis), liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or signs of an allergic reaction like rash or swelling.
• If you experience any severe symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

• Liver Issues: Atorvastatin can cause liver enzyme levels to increase, and in rare cases, it may lead to liver damage. Regular liver function tests are recommended during treatment.
• Muscle Problems: In some cases, Atorvastatin can cause muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness. If you notice any unusual muscle symptoms, especially if accompanied by fever or dark urine, contact your doctor immediately.
• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Atorvastatin is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it can harm the fetus or infant. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking Atorvastatin.
• Kidney Problems: Atorvastatin should be used cautiously in individuals with kidney disease, as it may worsen kidney function in rare cases.

• CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Medications like ketoconazole, clarithromycin, or grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of Atorvastatin, increasing the risk of side effects such as muscle damage.
• Other Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs: Combining Atorvastatin with other lipid-lowering medications, such as gemfibrozil, can increase the risk of muscle problems.
• Warfarin: Atorvastatin can increase the effects of blood-thinning medications like warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.

• Store at room temperature, away from excess moisture and light.
• Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.

Expiration Date:

• Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Safely dispose of unused or expired medication.