Atorva 20 mg Tablet

Uses of Atorva 20 mg Tablet

Atorvastatin is a member of the drug class known as statins, which are used primarily as a lipid-lowering agent . Atorvastatin uses include :

1. To lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with high cholesterol or high triglyceride levels.
2. To reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems in people with high cholesterol or high triglyceride levels.
3. To prevent heart surgery in people who have heart disease or who are at risk of developing heart disease.
4. To treat homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a rare genetic disorder that causes very high cholesterol levels.

Side Effects of Atorva 20 mg Tablet

Headache, flatulence, constipation, dyspepsia, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, anorexia. Pain in extremity, musculoskeletal and pharyngolaryngeal; myopathy, muscle spasms, myalgia, arthralgia, nasopharyngitis, insomnia, UTI. Increased serum aminotransferase, glycosylated haemoglobin and fasting serum glucose levels. Potentially Fatal: Severe rhabdomyolysis w/ acute renal failure. Hepatitis, pancreatitis. Rarely, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, anaphylaxis, toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Drug Interactions

May increase risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis w/ CYP3A4 potent inhibitor (e.g. HIV or HCV protease inhibitors, itraconazole, clarithromycin), fenofibrate, colchicines, fixed combination of lopinavir/ritonavir. May decrease plasma concentration w/ CYP3A4 inducer (e.g. rifampicin, efavirenz). May significantly increase AUC and peak plasma concentration of digoxin. Increased AUC for norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol. Potentially Fatal: Increased risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis w/ ciclosporin, gemfibrozil, telaprevir, tipranavir.

Contraindications

Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases. Concomitant use w/ ciclosporin, gemfibrozil, telaprevir, tipranavir. Pregnancy and lactation.

Mechanism of Action

Atorvastatin works by blocking an enzyme that is needed by the body to make cholesterol. This lowers the amount of cholesterol that is produced by the liver. Atorvastatin also helps to remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Special Precautions

History of liver disease; patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol; patients w/ risk factors for myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Hypothyroidism should be properly managed prior to statin therapy initiation. Renal impairment. Childn <10 yr. Premenarcheal females. Monitoring Parameters Monitor creatine kinase (CK) periodically and LFT. Discontinue if there is significant or persistent increase in CK levels, serum aminotransferase levels or evidence of myopathy.

How to Use

Take orally with food and water, as directed by your physician.

How to Store

Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.

Safety Concerns

• Alcohol: Avoid during treatment.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
• Pregnancy: Contraindicated.
• Liver/Kidney: Use with caution.

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This content is for educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before use.