Cholesterol-lowering statin drug such as Atorvastatin is among the most widely prescribed drugs on the market today. Statins aim to lower blood cholesterol by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. Besides lowering cholesterol, they have several other effects. With regular consumption of oral statin, not only your bad cholesterol or LDL but also your triglycerides levels. It can boost the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) too. Research studies have shown the beneficial effects of this statin drug on cholesterol levels. The treatment has shown promise for everything from lowering cholesterol to protecting heart health.
What is Atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is prescribed in combination to diet for the reduction of elevated total cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and triglycerides or LDL (low-density lipoprotein) in adults, adolescents, and children below the age of ten years. It is suitable for individuals having hypercholesterolemia, or combined hyperlipidemia when the response to diet and lifestyle modifications is inadequate. It may be prescribed to reduce total cholesterol and bad cholesterol in adults with hypercholesterolemia in combination with lipid-lowering treatments such as LDL apheresis. Atorvastatin can also be taken to prevent heart attack, stroke, or any heart disease.
What is working?
Like other statin medications, Atorvastatin reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart attack by stopping the deposition of excess cholesterol in the major blood vessels of the heart and brain. Cholesterol is a waxy chemical that plays a crucial role in body function. However, it should be needed in the right places in the right quantities. Cholesterol is carried around the body in small globules made of protein and fat, and the type of fat determines if cholesterol is good or bad. Good cholesterol is carried around by high-density protein or HDL while bad cholesterol has low-density protein (LDL) and LDL allows the cholesterol to deposit on the walls of the blood vessels. Statin therapy works by reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol produced by the liver and slows down the hardening of arteries. The effects of the medicines should be experienced within two weeks of starting the treatment.
Facts about Atorvastatin usage
You may be prescribed with Atorvastatin if you have been diagnosed with high blood cholesterol. It is extremely beneficial for the prevention of heart disease, including heart attack and strokes. You may get it if you have a family history of heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. It is wise to use it under the supervision of a health care specialist. The medicine is available in the form of tablets for oral administration. Generally, the statin tablet is prescribed to take once daily. The most common side effects of the medicine are headaches, diarrhoea, cold-like symptoms, and nausea. Women who are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant are advised to stay away from this medicine. Continue the treatment even if you feel well as you still be getting the same benefits. Most people with elevated cholesterol levels don’t experience any symptoms. Atorvastatin is supplied in various brand names including Lipitor, Atorva, etc.
The treatment is suitable for adults and children over the age of ten years of age. There may be possibilities that medicine doesn’t suit some people, including those who:
- are allergic to Atorvastatin or any other ingredients of the medicine
- Have severe lung disorder
- have renal or hepatic insufficiency
- Have a history of stroke caused by bleeding into the brain
- Have an underactive thyroid
- Drink a large amount of alcohol
- Have a muscle disorder, also called as fibromyalgia
Take medicine once a day. You can choose to take it any time. To avoid miss dose situations, prefer taking it the same time every day. Sometimes health care specialist recommends taking it in the evening. This may be because it is believed that our body makes most cholesterol at night. If you have any doubt or are not sure when to take your medicine, talk to your hair care specialist. Statins don’t upset the stomach; hence, one can take it without regards to food. Swallow the tablet with enough water.
The dosage and duration of the treatment will be best determined by the health care professional. For pediatric use, the lowest dose should be prescribed. A health care specialist will consider your child’s age to work out the amount of Atorvastatin that suits them. The dose generally depends on the condition of the patient, his/her cholesterol levels, and what other medicines has been using by them. You must consult your health care specialist for advice if you are unsure about the dosage and duration of the medication. You are not allowed to make dose adjustments without the permission of your health care specialist.
Marie
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