atorvastatin is used in the treatment of high cholesterol and to reduce the risk of stroke , heart attack or other cardiovascular complications in people living with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease or other risk factors for heart and artery health.
What is Atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin belongs to the class of medicines known as statins. It reduces the levels of “bad” (or LDL) cholesterol and those of triglycerides, while increasing those of “good” (or HDL) cholesterol.
How is Atorvastatin taken?
It is usually administered orally . If the doctor deems it necessary, the dosage may vary during the course of treatment.
Side effects of Atorvastatin
In some cases, this drug can lead to kidney failure. For this reason, it is recommended to contact a doctor immediately in case of:
- unexplained muscle pain;
- touch sensitivity;
- widespread state of weakness;
- especially if associated with fever, tiredness and dark urine.
Other possible side effects of Atorvastatin include:
- mild muscle pain;
- discharge of diarrhea ;
- mild sense of nausea .
It is also important to stop treatment immediately and seek medical attention in case of:
- memory loss ;
- feverish state;
- fatigue ;
- swelling;
- increase in body weight;
- reduced urination;
- increased thirst or urination
- hunger continues;
- dry jaws;
- sense of sleepiness;
- dry skin ;
- clouded view;
- body weight loss;
- confusional state ;
- feeling sick ;
- pain in the upper part of the stomach;
- itching ;
- loss or loss of appetite;
- dark urine;
- clay-colored stools;
- jaundice .
Contraindications and warnings on the use of Atorvastatin
During treatment with Atorvastatin it is advisable not to consume foods rich in cholesterol and fats, not to drink alcohol and to practice adequate physical activity.
Before starting to take the medicine, it is important to make your doctor aware of :
- about the presence of any allergies to the active substance, to its excipients or to any other drug or food;
- of the other medicines, phytotherapics and supplements that you are taking or have taken in the past (in particular Diltiazem, antifungals, anti-HIV drugs, Gemfibrozil, Fenofibric Acid, Fenofibrate, Telaprevir, antibiotics, niacin-based medicines and drugs which weaken the immune system);
- if you suffer (or have already suffered) from thyroid disease, muscle pain or weakness, liver or kidney disease;
- if more than 2 alcoholic drinks are drunk daily;
- in the case of pregnant women or breastfeeding women .
The treatment may have to be suspended for a short period in case of:
- seizure symptoms;
- electrolyte imbalances (e.g. high / low blood potassium levels );
- very low blood pressure;
- a disease or serious infection;
- a medical emergency or surgery.
