Contents
Sortis is a cardiac drug, the active substance of which is atorvastatin. It belongs to the group of the so-called statins, which means that it affects the metabolism of fats in the human body. Find out what the indications for its use are, who should not use the drug, and how to dose it to get the best effect.
What is the composition of Sortis?
The active substance in Sortis is atorvastatin. Its amount varies depending on the type of preparation, which are marked with numbers 10, 20, 40 and 80. In addition to the active ingredient, the drug also contains: microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, lactose monohydrate, polysorbate 80, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and hydroxypropyl cellulose and auxiliary ingredients that were used to produce the drug coating. In order to get to know the detailed composition of the drug, it is worth reaching for the leaflet attached to it.
Sortis – indications for use
Sortis is intended to lower the level of lipids in the blood. This is primarily about triglycerides and cholesterol. It is used especially in those patients for whom a change in lifestyle and a less fatty diet do not bring the expected results. Taking this medicine can reduce the risk of some heart conditions.
Contraindications to the use of Sortis
Sortis should not be used by pregnant women planning pregnancy and breastfeeding women. Hypersensitivity to its active substance or any of its other ingredients is also a contraindication to the use of the drug. Sortis is also not recommended for people who have or have had liver disease and have abnormal liver function.
How to dose?
Before taking the drug, it is advisable to read the leaflet attached to it and consult your doctor. It is worth remembering that the drug should be taken while following a diet with a lower cholesterol content.
In children over 10 years of age and in adults, 10 mg of atorvastatin daily is recommended. The dose can only be increased on the recommendation of a doctor. This is usually done at 3- or 4-week intervals. In children, the daily dose of 20 mg a day is not exceeded, while in adults the maximum dose is 80 mg a day. The tablets should not be chewed. They should be washed down with water. They can be taken with or without food. However, you should remember about the time of taking the drug.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Sortis may have certain side effects. If you experience any side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. Common side effects include: allergic reactions, sore throat, inflammation of the nasal passages, headache, nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, indigestion, increased blood glucose, pain in muscles, joints and back.
Uncommon occurrences: anorexia, dizziness, insomnia, vomiting, ringing in the ears, hepatitis, pancreatitis, weight gain, lower blood glucose, muscle fatigue, white blood cells in urine tests, tingling hands and feet, blurred vision , skin rash, hair loss, weakness, chest pain and a high temperature.
Rare and very rare symptoms include severe allergic reactions, severe swelling of the skin, unexpected bleeding, hearing loss, and persistent muscle weakness.
Interactions with other drugs
Sortis can interact with many other medications, so if you are taking any other medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, be sure to inform your doctor about it in order to rule out the risk of serious side effects. It is especially important to be careful when taking medications that:
- regulate lipid concentration,
- is used to treat hepatitis C,
- is used to treat HIV infection,
- block the calcium channel, especially in the case of arterial hypertension and angina,
- are antibiotics and antifungal drugs.
Other substances to watch out for when using Sortis are St. John’s wort, fusidic acid, warfarin, ezetimibe, phenazone, boceprevir, cimetidine, stiripentol, colchicine, antacids, and oral contraceptives.
What else should you watch out for?
The drug should be used only in accordance with the information leaflet attached to it and the exact instructions of the doctor. While using the drug, it is worth limiting alcohol consumption, and you should follow a special diet, low in cholesterol. In case of any side effects that may have been caused by the use of the drug, consult a doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. The drug should be stored in a dry and cool place, out of the sight and reach of children. People with severe respiratory failure, kidney problems, hypothyroidism, regular excessive alcohol consumption, and those over 70 years of age should exercise particular caution. In addition, consult your doctor if you have unexplained muscle pain, stroke with bleeding in the brain, and if you have been taking fusidic acid for 7 days. Caution should also be exercised if the patient drinks grapefruit juice. More than one glass of this juice a day may affect the way Sortis works. The drug usually has no effect on driving or operating machinery. However, if this does occur, the patient should stop these activities.
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. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.