Description
Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets belongs to a class of medications called statins to treat raised cholesterol levels in our body. It helps lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol in the blood and increase the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol. Dyslipidaemia is the deposition of unhealthy fat (lipid) levels in the blood. In this condition, there is always a high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol), triglycerides (TG) and a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol).
Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets contains ‘Atorvastatin’ which works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body to decrease the amount of cholesterol that may build up on the arteries walls and block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body. It helps to decrease the production of cholesterol that may build up in the blood vessels (arteries) of the heart, brain, and other parts of the body. Lowering cholesterol levels helps prevent heart diseases such as heart attacks and strokes in the future. This tablet can also be prescribed for people with a family history of raised cholesterol in coronary heart disease or long-term health conditions of type 1, type 2 diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Medical Benefits
- It is taken with dietary measures to help treat high cholesterol, especially for heart patients when initial dietary measures fail to lower cholesterol.
- It helps lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL) in the state of dyslipidaemia or hyperlipidaemia.
- It is considered more effective compared to other statins.
- This tablet also lowers the amount of fat or cholesterol deposition (plaque) in the heart’s arteries, thereby reducing the chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the future.
Directions For Use
- Take it with or without food as advised by the doctor.
- Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush or chew it.
- Please take Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets in the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor based on specific medical conditions.
Storage
- Keep it away from sunlight.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool and dry place.
Precautions
- It should not be prescribed to children less than ten years of age. Consult your doctor before its prescription.
- Consult your doctor before its intake as this medicine may have interaction with antibiotics (like cephalexin, tetracycline, gentamicin), antifungals (like miconazole, fluconazole, and ketoconazole), HIV medicines (like abacavir, retrovir, and tenofovir), and many more medicines.
- Patients with serious liver disease (jaundice), kidney disease, lung disease, and muscle weakness (rhabdomyolysis) should be closely monitored while having treatment with this medicine.
- Do not drink too much while taking Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets as drinking a lot of alcohol you may more likely to get muscle and liver side effects.
Side Effects
- Headache
- Blurred Vision
- Muscle Weakness
- Allergic Reactions
- Hyperglycaemia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does long-term intake of this tablet can affect muscle?
Yes. Muscle weakness can be the long-term side effect of this medicine. You may have muscle fatigue or muscle pain which affects your daily activity. Try to contact the doctor if you have muscle weakness or fatigue.
Will taking atorvastatin increase my risk of diabetes?
It can raise your blood sugar a little. If you already have type 2 diabetes, please consult your doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dosage of this medicine.
Will it reduce my fertility?
There’s no strong evidence to suggest that taking this medicine will reduce fertility in either men or women. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking it if you’re likely to get pregnant or pregnant.
Is there any lifestyle help for reducing bad cholesterol in our blood?
Increase your daily diet with fibre, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish, and cut saturated fat as well. Stop smoking and drinking and try to work out every day as well.
Can I stop taking this tablet without a doctor’s advice?
No, you should not stop taking it without consulting your doctor. Please take advice from the doctor before quitting.
