Atorvastatin brands and prices in Pakistan

About Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medicine from the statin group (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). It slows down how much cholesterol the body makes. This helps stop fatty build-up on the walls of blood vessels, which can block blood flow to the heart and brain. It is a prescription medicine. It comes as tablets (some are chewable) and as a liquid. It is usually taken long term, sometimes for life, alongside a healthy diet and exercise.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you have had an allergy or serious side effect from atorvastatin or another statin.
• Do not take it if you have, or have ever had, liver disease, or unexplained abnormal liver blood tests.
• Do not take it if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or could become pregnant and are not using reliable contraception.
• Do not take it if you are taking the hepatitis C medicine glecaprevir with pibrentasvir.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or an underactive thyroid.
• Tell your doctor if you, or a close family member, have a muscle condition such as myasthenia gravis, if you have had repeated or unexplained muscle aches, or had muscle problems with another cholesterol medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you regularly drink a lot of alcohol.
• Tell your doctor if you have had a bleed in the brain or small fluid pockets in the brain from a past stroke.
• Tell your doctor if you have diabetes or are at risk of it, or have severe breathing (lung) problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are an older adult, or if you have had seizures or have low blood pressure.
• Tell your doctor before any surgery, including dental surgery, or if you are admitted to hospital with a serious injury or infection.
• Pregnancy: it is not recommended, as it can affect the baby's development. If you are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor, who will tell you when to stop. If you become pregnant while taking it, stop and contact your doctor straight away.
• Breastfeeding: advice differs. The UK medicine leaflet and MedlinePlus say not to breastfeed while taking it, while the NHS says you may be able to take it after checking with a doctor or pharmacist. Ask your doctor.
• Children: it is sometimes prescribed for children aged 10 and over.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Fusidic acid (an antibiotic taken by mouth or injection): must not be taken at the same time, because of the risk of serious muscle damage. Your doctor will pause atorvastatin and tell you when to restart.
• Some antibiotics, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin and rifampicin
• Some antifungal medicines, such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and fluconazole
• Ciclosporin (used after organ transplants)
• Some HIV and hepatitis C medicines
• Other cholesterol medicines, such as fibrates (for example gemfibrozil), ezetimibe and niacin
• Some heart and blood pressure medicines, such as diltiazem, verapamil, amlodipine, amiodarone and digoxin
• Warfarin, colchicine, the contraceptive pill and cimetidine
• St John's wort (a herbal remedy)
• Large amounts of grapefruit juice can raise the chance of side effects

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• You can take it with or without food. Swallow standard tablets whole with water; check the packet in case yours are chewable. Measure the liquid with the syringe or spoon supplied.
• If you forget a dose, skip the missed one and take the next as normal. Never take two doses together.
• Keep taking it even if you feel well. Do not stop unless your doctor tells you to.
• Avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice.
• Keep alcohol low, as it can raise the risk of liver problems and other side effects.
• Follow a low-fat, healthy diet and the exercise advice from your doctor or dietitian.
• Keep all doctor and blood test appointments, and tell lab staff that you take atorvastatin.
• It does not usually affect driving. If you feel dizzy, wait until it passes before driving or using machines.
• Store in the original pack, away from heat and damp, out of the reach of children. Return unused medicine to a pharmacy.

Common questions

Can I drink alcohol while taking atorvastatin?
Keep it low. Drinking a lot of alcohol raises the risk of side effects such as liver problems. If you regularly drink heavily, tell your doctor before starting.

Can I eat grapefruit?
You can eat normally, but avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice, because it can change how atorvastatin works and make side effects more likely. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

How long will I need to take it?
Usually for a long time, and sometimes for life. If you stop, your cholesterol may go up again, so talk to your doctor before stopping.

My muscles ache. Should I worry?
Mild muscle aches are a common side effect. But stop taking it and get urgent help if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness with dark urine, fever or feeling unwell, as this can be a sign of serious muscle damage.

Is atorvastatin on the WHO essential medicines list?
Yes. WHO lists atorvastatin as an essential medicine for high blood fats and for preventing further heart and blood vessel disease, as an alternative to simvastatin.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.