Atorva 80mg (Atorvastatin )
Atorvastatin 80mg belongs to a family of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors or ‘statins’. Atorvastatin lowers levels of low density lipoprotein or LDL (considered as the bad cholesterol) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of high density lipoprotein or HDL (considered as the good cholesterol). High levels of LDL can result in stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.
Atorvastatin is sold under various trade names, some of which are Lipitor, Lipvas (made by cipla), Atorlip (made by Cipla) and Atorva (made by Cadila).
Important Information about Atorvastatin 80mg
Do not take Atorvastatin 80mg (Lipitor, Atorlip, Atorva) if you are allergic to it, if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have liver disease. Stop taking this medication and notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking it. Prior to taking Atorvastatin, let your doctor know if you have a history of liver or kidney disease, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, if you are of Chinese descent, or if you take more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.
In rare cases, Atorvastatin can lead to a condition which results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, causing in kidney failure. Seek medical attention right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual fatigue, and dark colored urine.
For best results from Atorvastatin, you must avoid a high fat diet (especially, saturated fat). If you do not avoid a high fat diet, this medicine will not be as effective as it should be. Also avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.
Atorvastatin is only a part of a full line of treatment for high cholesterol which also includes diet restrictions, exercises, and other medicines. Follow a proper regimen of these things as directed by your doctor to keep your cholesterol levels in check.
Atorvastatin is an FDA pregnancy category X drug. It can harm an unborn baby if taken while being pregnant. If you become pregnant during treatment with Atorvastatin, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. Use of an effective birth control measure is recommended while taking this medicine. Atorvastatin can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor about this if you are breast feeding a baby.
Before taking Atorvastatin
Before taking Atorvastatin 80mg take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts which you may have about this drug.
How should I take Atorvastatin 80mg?
Take Atorvastatin strictly according to your doctor’s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication. Atorvastatin is usually taken once a day with or without food. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place.
You may need to temporarily suspend taking Atorvastatin if you have uncontrolled seizures, an electrolyte imbalance, severely low blood pressure, a severe infection or illness, dehydration, or surgery or a medical emergency.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Atorvastatin 80mg, take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.
What if I overdose?
In case of an overdose of Atorvastatin 80mg, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately.
Things and Activities to avoid while taking Atorvastatin 80mg
Do not take antacids without your doctor’s advice and use only those types which are recommended by your doctor. If you need to take an antacid, you must take it after at least 2 hours of taking Atorvastatin. Avoid a high fat diet and alcohol while taking this medicine.
Atorvastatin 80mg Side Effects
Very few people taking Atorvastatin 80mg may have mild memory problems or confusion. Another rare but serious side effect of this medicine is foamy urine. Contact your doctor if these rare side effects occur.
In rare cases, Atorvastatin can lead to a condition which results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, causing in kidney failure. Seek medical attention right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual fatigue, and dark colored urine.
Atorvastatin rarely causes liver problems. Notify your doctor right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of liver damage: yellowing of eye and skin, dark urine, severe stomach or abdominal pain, or persistent nausea or vomiting.
The side effects mentioned above are not the only ones that you may experience or witness due to Atorvastatin. If you get any serious side effects due to this medication, contact your doctor right away.
Atorvastatin 80mg Dosing Information
Atorvastatin dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for best results.
Interaction with other drugs
Certain other drugs can interact with Atorvastatin 80mg and increase the risk of serious muscle problems. Let your doctor know in advance if you use any other drugs or related products, especially these ones: birth control pills, cimetidine, conivaptan, imatinib, isoniazid, an antibiotic (such as dalfopristin, quinupristin, rafampin, telithromycin, an others), antidepressants, heart or blood pressure medicines, diltiazem, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, HIV medicines, spironolactone, or other statin drugs such as rosuvastain, lovastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, or simvastatin.
These are not the only drugs that can interact with Atorvastatin. There may be others. Never start a new medication without taking proper medical advice.
