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Atorvasterol is a blood lipid-lowering drug. It belongs to the statins. High blood lipids are associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Atorvasterol is designed to reduce the risk of heart and circulatory system disorders. Check when it is worth reaching for Atorvasterol.
Atorvasterol is one of the statins that are used in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia, and also as an element of prophylaxis among patients at risk of cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, the drug is not suitable for everyone, and it is not always possible to use it.
Atorvasterol – action
The active substance of Atorvasterol is atorvastatin. The drug belongs to the statins, whose task is to lower lipids, especially LDL cholesterol, which is the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The task of statins is to inhibit the activity of the most important enzyme involved in the process of cholesterol synthesis. As a result, the synthesis of cholesterol is reduced and the liver cells are stimulated to capture LDL particles from the blood. As a result, LDL cholesterol levels begin to drop.
Find out who cholesterol «likes» the most
Atorvasterol – indications
Atorvasterol is indicated to lower LDL cholesterol levels and as part of the prevention of cardiovascular disease in people at risk.
Atorvasterol – contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any component of the drug is a contraindication to the use of Atorvasterol. In addition, contraindications to the use of the preparation are liver diseases, persistently increased activity of liver transaminases, pregnancy, failure to use contraception and breastfeeding.
Atorvasterol – precautions
Periodic liver function tests should be performed before and during treatment with Atorvasterol. People after ischemic attacks or a stroke should also be careful. The drug may also lead to myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. In addition, when using statins, special care should be taken by people over 70 years of age, with kidney disorders, hypothyroidism, various muscle diseases (also as a consequence of taking statins in the past), with liver diseases and certain genetic conditions. In addition, people who abuse alcohol and take other medications should be careful. In each of these cases, your doctor may recommend more frequent checkups and additional tests.
The use of statins may also be associated with the development of interstitial lung disease (especially with long-term use) and an increase in blood glucose. The drug does not affect the safety of driving a vehicle. The preparation is also contraindicated in pregnant women, trying to conceive and breastfeeding women.
It is imperative that you inform your doctor about other medications you are taking, including those without a prescription, because the drug may interact with them.
Atorvasterol – dosage
Atorvasterol is taken orally in the form of tablets. The established doses should not be exceeded, as they can only cause harm and not increase the effectiveness of the treatment. The tablets are taken once a day, regardless of the time of day and food consumed. The amount of the dose is determined individually by the doctor, depending on the health condition, test results and the patient’s response to treatment. Treatment should be completed with adequate diet (low in cholesterol) and exercise.
Atorvasterol – side effects
The most common side effects include gastrointestinal disorders, hyperglycaemia, throat pain and inflammation, nosebleeds, insomnia, hypersensitivity (rash and itching), pain in muscles, joints, back, muscle spasms or joint swelling. Inflammation of the pancreas, liver, memory and sleep disturbances, nightmares, or disturbances in taste and sensation may also occur.
The list of side effects is long, but it should be remembered that they do not occur in every patient and that usually the benefits of treatment outweigh the potential risks of side effects.
Atorvasterol — cena
The preparation costs about PLN 15-20.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.