Disclaimer. Drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) can increase the risk of some side effects, such as liver disease or muscle damage. Lastly, I do want to point out that if you are considering splitting tablets because you have difficulty swallowing, Lipitor tablets (and generics) canbe crushed if necessary. It takes approximately 5.5 x elimination half lives for a medicine to be out of ones system. I was told you can split Lipitor tablets in half but I just want to confirm with you. If you have questions, ask your pharmacist. It's 180 mg Fexofenadine HCI tablet. Many people take statins for decades without having any side effects or issues. Will it affect my contraception? During the first trimester of pregnancy, it can increase the risk of fetal malformation. Always have your pharmacist run a drug interaction screen any time to start or stop a new medication. Stopping statins on your own wont accomplish that goal and could cause serious health risks. Some statins have specific recommendations around what time of the day to take them. Staff, Squalamine - Captopril, Hydrochlorothiazide, Babassu - Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir Ritonavir, Chaparral - Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine, Elderberry - Benazepril, Hydrochlorothiazide, Birch - Fluticasone Proprionate, Salmeterol. Safety Outcomes of Atorvastatin 80 mg Versus Atorvastatin 40 mg in a Myositis is a less common inflammation of your muscles that may be accompanied by an elevation in your creatine kinase (CK) which can be determined from a blood test. National Library of Medicine Fatigue or weakness may also be a sign of more serious effects, such as muscle problems or liver toxicity. So called high-intensity statins 40 to 80 milligrams of atorvastatin or 20 to 40 milligrams of rosuvastatin are the current standard of care for individuals 75 and younger with coronary artery disease to lower bad or LDL cholesterol, as well as to reduce overall cardiovascular risk. Evid Based Cardiovasc Med. In addition to muscle or joint pain, other common side effects include: These are not all the side effects that may occur with the use of atorvastatin. Kaiser Permanente is not responsible for the content or policies of external websites. This is the time it takes for your body to reduce plasma drug levels by half. Blood levels of the drug may increase leading to side effects. It is taken by mouth.. Common side effects include joint pain, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and muscle pains. If side effects are your concern with statins, your doctor may suggest continuing to take the same dosage of your statin, but adding a supplement of CoQ10. Splitting Lipitor Tablets. Statins can lower your bodys level of CoQ10. As mentioned, Lipitor tablets (and generics) can safely be split. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/about-cholesterol-lowering-drugs, cdc.gov/cholesterol/treating_cholesterol.htm, fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm293330.htm, fda.gov/forconsumers/byaudience/forwomen/ucm118595.htm, health.harvard.edu/blog/cholesterol-and-statins-its-no-longer-just-about-the-numbers-201311136868, annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1671715. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list or view more atorvastatin side effects here. Dosage for children The drug maker of atorvastatin suggests that people taking this drug avoid large quantities of grapefruit juice (more than 1 quart per day). A review from Lancet estimated that if 10,000 patients were treated for 5 years with atorvastatin 40 mg per day (high-intensity therapy), 50 to 100 new cases of type 2 diabetes might occur. Newman CB, Szarek M, Colhoun HM, Betteridge DJ, Durrington PN, Hitman GA, Neil HA, Demicco DA, Auster S, Fuller JH; Cards Investigators. Last updated on Sep 12, 2022. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Atorvastatin calcium (brand name: Lipitor) is a medicine in a class of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, also referred to as "statins." Do I need to eat food when taking atorvastatin? If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. After graduating in Pharmacy in Australia, she moved to Italy to study the Mediterranean way of life and continue learning about health and medicine. Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels, liver function) should be done while you are taking this medication. Statins can cause several side effects. 4. An official website of the United States government. Atorvastatin Interactions Checker - Drugs.com Statin-induced myopathy is pain caused by statin medications that reduce risk of heart disease. Newman CB, Palmer G, Silbershatz H, Szarek M. Am J Cardiol. Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking atorvastatin and each time you get a refill. Epub 2014 Apr 3. If you have high cholesterol or certain risk factors for heart disease or stroke, your doctor. Some people who adhere to a strict diet and exercise routine may be able to stop their statin, but this is not the norm. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Enzyme blood levels (known as transaminases, or AST and ALT) may be high in your lab report. Am J Cardiol. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Opioids may not work for back pain, study finds | CNN Looking to reduce costs at the pharmacy counter? We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs. Recommended start dose: 10 or 20 mg once daily (2.1). You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn. When you put a patient on a high-intensity statin youre going to get a larger reduction in LDL cholesterol, explains Dr. Robert Rosenson, a professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, where he serves as director of cardiometabolic disorders. and transmitted securely. It does this by blocking an enzyme known as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase in the liver. Atorvastatin (80 mg daily) resulted in an absolute reduction in nonfatal or fatal stroke of 2.2 percent and of major cardiovascular events of 3.5 percent. Statins are extensively metabolized (broken down) by the liver. Atorvastatin alternatives: What can I take instead of atorvastatin? Keep all medications away from children and pets. However, a study published online in the journal JAMA Cardiology in April underscored that many don't continue taking statins as prescribed following a heart attack. It's also important not to cut all of your tablets ahead of time and store them for later use. Learn More: Common Grapefruit Juice Drug Interactions. nervousness. Atorvastatin (Oral Route) Proper Use - Mayo Clinic This is likely because statins can cause the levels of CoQ10 in your body to drop, leading to side effects such as muscle problems. Liver problems might first be noticed on a blood test ordered by your doctor or you might have symptoms of liver disease. High levels of cholesterol in your blood (hypercholesteraemia), Hypertension and other risk factors for heart disease(with or without abnormal cholesterol), High levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in your blood (mixed hyperlipidaemia), Elevated levels of aminotransferase in the body (dose related). Discover the potential benefits of tart cherry juice for better sleep and the science behind its effectiveness. Atorvastatin Oral Tablet: Side Effects, How to Take, and More - Healthline 80 mg atorvastatin appears as safe as lower doses. Can I drink alcohol while taking atorvastatin? Percentages of patients experiencing > or =1 adverse event were similar across all 3 groups. First, they stop the production of cholesterol in your body. 2008 Sep;5(3):177-83. doi: 10.3132/dvdr.2008.029. This plan may involve stopping statins entirely, or it may involve reducing your statin usage. Atorvastatin (Lipitor): Top 12 Drug Facts You Need to Know sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips. Interactions Print Save Atorvastatin Interactions There are 357 drugs known to interact with atorvastatin, along with 5 disease interactions, and 2 alcohol/food interactions. Learn More: Cholesterol Medications and Alcohol Interactions, Other common side effects of atorvastatin. Rarely, statins may cause or worsen diabetes. A guide to COVID-19 and wellness from the health team at U.S. News & World Report. A healthy diet and exercise program can have many benefits for your overall health, but it may not be enough to replace the cholesterol-lowering effects of a statin. You can take atorvastatin at any time of the day because the amount of time the drug is active (known as the half-life) is long. Statins are usually well-tolerated. FOIA MeSH Takieddin SZ, Alghamdi NM, Mahrous MS, Alamri BM, Bafakeeh QA, Zahrani MA. Overall, the most important thing is to keep your cholesterol levels under control. your risk factors for heart disease, or if you currently have ongoing heart disease, other prescription drugs or medications you take, The best way to see a picture of an atorvastatin tablet is to look at the. JUPITER Study Group. Statista. I was told that I had an allergic reaction to penicillin when I was a child. The drugs reduce inflammation in the blood and the arteries; this can lower the likelihood of plaque or build-up in the arteries made up of fat, cholesterol and other substances rupturing and allowing the blood to clot on that ruptured plaque and obstruct the artery resulting in irreversible heart damage, Rosenson says. But experts say its important to work closely with a cardiologist or another doctor to determine if, in fact, the muscle aches and pain are likely due to the statin. Research published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine evaluated the side effect of fatigue with statins. In addition, many other manufacturers also make high-quality versions of generic atorvastatin. However, physicians appear reluctant to use high doses of statins. Your doctor will check your liver enzymes with a simple blood test before you start treatment with statins. Bookshelf Most people who begin to take atorvastatin start with a low dose such as 10 mg and then gradually increase the dose as needed until the cholesterol reaches a safe level. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Epub 2008 Nov 9. No previous studies exist investigating the safety of high-intensity atorvastatin therapy among a veteran population. This reduces your risk of blood vessel blockages and heart attacks. Available for Android and iOS devices. Atorvastatin: MedlinePlus Drug Information The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. The incidence of treatment-associated adverse events for atorvastatin 80 mg was similar to that of atorvastatin 10 mg and placebo. Do not stop taking any medication unless you have discussed this with your doctor. If you have heart attack and youre referred to cardiac rehabilitation, you have support that not only involves oversight of your exercise. We explain causes, symptoms, treatment, etc. Epub 2016 Sep 8. Overcoming challenges with statin therapy. Atorvastatin can be used in adults and children over the age of 10 years. It reduces mortality the chance of dying it reduces the chance of having a second heart attack, it reduces the chance of needing additional procedures like bypass surgery or stenting or angioplasty. Atorvastatin can cause liver damage. For example, the AHA suggests following a Mediterranean diet or vegan diet. The dosage is based on your medical. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Some patients may need to start at 40 mg per day. It's important to emphasize that if you are considering splitting your Lipitor tablets, you shouldn't reduce your dose or make any changes to your therapy without talking to your doctor first. No cases of rhabdomyolysis were reported in any group. Lowering your cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, or weight loss could eliminate your need to take statins or other cholesterol medications. There are several doses of Lipitor available: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg. Most people who begin to take atorvastatin start with a low dose such as 10 mg and then gradually increase the dose as needed until the cholesterol reaches a safe level. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Lipitor tablets (and associated generics) are available in several different strengths, including 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg. Researchers looked at the effect of two other statins, pravastatin and simvastatin, compared to a placebo (sugar pill) in 1016 people. Atorvastatin, sold under the brand name Lipitor among others, is a statin medication used to prevent cardiovascular disease in those at high risk and to treat abnormal lipid levels. Atorvastatin may be used in addition to diet to reduce cholesterol for adolescents between 10 and 17 years of age with increased cholesterol levels and family history of early heart disease or 2 or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Though statins are among the most commonly prescribed drugs, clinicians say that they still have a perception problem: Many patients have concerns about side effects and are inclined to take less of the drug or not take them at all. The muscle pain can occur in several different ways. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. There is no specific drug interaction between alcohol and atorvastatin; however, you may consider limiting your alcohol intake because statins plus excessive alcohol may raise your triglyceride levels and possibly lead to liver toxicity. Common questions about atorvastatin - NHS (2017). Learn more about how taking a supplement can affect statin side effects and your overall heart health. Statin discontinuation: an underestimated risk? This is the time it takes for your body to reduce plasma drug levels by half. Another option could be to supplement your reduced statin dosage with CoQ10, an enzyme your body makes naturally. Instead, it's best to split your tablets on a per-dose basis. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Popular statins include atorvastatin ( Lipitor ), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor). Atorvastatin: 7 things you should know - Drugs.com If these rare effects occur, talk to your doctor. Its more than just muscle aching that the patient feels. Its possible for some people to stop taking statins safely, but it can be especially risky for others. Improve your cardiovascular system with natural dietary choices. Preliminary studies have shown that taking L-carnitine twice daily could improve the effect of statins on LDL and also prevent a rise in blood sugar. One of these options is likely to address whatever problems taking statins causes for you. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle problems. Thanks! you have previously had a serious allergic reaction to Lipitor, atorvastatin or any inactive ingredient in the medication. DOI: Tziomalos K, et al. How much and how often you have taken the drug. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Other side effects can be very severe, such as liver damage, muscle deterioration, and kidney failure. But dont stop taking your statin because you think your cholesterol levels are automatically better because of your lifestyle changes. Not all photos of the drug may be displayed. Copyright (c) 2023 First Databank, Inc. Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. 00:00 00:00 This is particularly important for herbal medications that you can buy over-the-counter without a prescription, such as St. Johns wort, which your doctor may not realise you are taking. Does atorvastatin interact with my other drugs? Home Medicines A to Z Atorvastatin Brand name: Lipitor. If you take a statin drug, it is important for you to be aware of the side effects so that you can recognize the signs and talk to your doctor about decreasing the dose, if needed. The .gov means its official. Learn more about L-carnitine and its effects on the body. 2022 Aug 9;2022:2342159. doi: 10.1155/2022/2342159. L-carnitine supplements are another option, especially for people with diabetes. High-Dose Atorvastatin after Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack What Is Statin-Induced Myopathy or Muscle Pain? 2022. Atorvastatin (80 mg daily) resulted in an . Will taking atorvastatin increase my risk of diabetes? Statins appear to elevate diabetes risk by impairing insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion, although the exact causes are not fully known. For more information click on: https://www.drugs.com/pro/atorvastatin.html. This drug may rarely cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy). However, cutting or splitting Lipitor tablets should only be done if it is recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. In addition, Ranbaxy also issued a recall in November 2012 due to glass particles found in atorvastatin bottles. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016;388(10059):2532. There are several doses of Lipitor available: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg. They can help you find out what your risk factors are, and if stopping statins is a safe move for you. Recently I started t Is it safe to take Genistein with abiraterone? Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 June 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 25 June 2023), ASHP (updated 11 June 2023) and others. AdultsAt first, 10 or 20 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your medication may look different. Discover foods that boost blood flow and circulation for better health. Diabetes management can be especially difficult for picky eaters, whose food preferences might not align with what's recommended for a diabetes-friendly diet. Do not store in the bathroom. Consult your doctor for more details. Even today, after its patent loss in 2011, atorvastatin is still one of the most prescribed medications in the U.S. As a drug class, statins are used by over 35 million people in the U.S. Statins are usually the first drug used to treat people with high cholesterol levels or heart disease. Furthering this point, if you have a prescription for Lipitor that your doctor wrote as #30 tablets for 30 days, and you start splitting tablets to make the prescription last longer, both your pharmacy and insurance company may flag you as potentially 'non-adherent' to your medication, and try to connect with you regarding what is going on. Persistent elevations in hepatic transaminases >3 times ULN were observed in 0.1%, 0.6%, and 0.2% of patients in the atorvastatin 10 mg, atorvastatin 80 mg, and placebo groups, respectively. Statin-associated side effects in patients attending a lipid clinic: evidence from a 6-year study. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Atorvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. sore throat. Additionally, while splitting tablets can be a cost-saving measure, it's important to remember that this may not always be the case. Many of these side effects can be mild, such as muscle pain and cramps. However, the dose is usually not more than 80 mg per day. Mild to moderate muscle pain (myalgia) is the most commonly reported side effect with statins, and 1% to 10% (1 to 10 out of every 100 people) may report this effect. You might also recognise it by the original brand name, Lipitor, which is the name given to the drug by the manufacturing company. A case study reported that a man had stopped taking statins due to side effects. Hey-Hadavi JH, Kuntze E, Luo D, Silverman P, Pittman D, Lepetri B. This is because youre more likely to have another such problem when you discontinue statins. Taking CoQ10 supplements could help reverse these side effects. close popup. Up to Date. While prices differ between cities and pharmacies, atorvastatin usually costs about $10 to $20 for a month supply using an online coupon. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. These enzymes are involved in the metabolism of more than 50% of all drugs, and are needed to help eliminate drugs from the body. Sign In Alexithymia, not being able to express feelings or understand other people's emotions, can have a huge emotional impact. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn about the nutrients and dietary choices that support muscle development, strength and overall fitness. However, and this is an important point, brand-name Lipitor tablets (and generics) are not scored, which means they do not have a groove down the middle to make them easier to break in half. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the Atorvastatin - Wikipedia Make sure that your doctor knows if your kidneys arent working 100% so that the right dose for you can be prescribed. Your metabolic rate a slower metabolism will increase the time a drug remains in your system. Can you take beetroot supplements with 5mg of amlo Can you take beetroot supplements with 5mg of amlodipine? Your medication may look different. When to Take Atorvastatin Morning or Night?- K Health Your doctor can give you that test and let you know if youre safe to stop taking your statin. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. Rosenson R, et al. Am J Geriatr Pharmacother. If you can do that, thats great! Sharma J, McAlister J, Aggarwal NR, Wei J, Mehta PK, Quesada O, Mattina D, Scott NS, Michos ED, Mahmoud Z, Kurrelmeyer K, Moraes De Oliveira GM, Lindley KJ. It may also be used to prevent certain types of heart and blood vessel . Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Patient Education: High cholesterol treatment options. Your age and health older age and poor health will generally increase the time the drug stays in your system. Statin and the risk of renal-related serious adverse events: Analysis from the IDEAL, TNT, CARDS, ASPEN, SPARCL, and other placebo-controlled trials. It belongs to a class of medications known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, which are more commonly known as 'statins'. Reductions in triglycerides from baseline values were 25% or . The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs. Lancet. One study suggested an immune response may stop insulin from doing its job properly. Careers. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Also, a liquid version of atorvastatin is available too (Atorvaliq), but it is only available as a brand name and insurance coverage for it varies. Atorvastatin (Oral Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic An enzyme called3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase is usually needed for the reaction to synthesize cholesterol in the body. Atorvastatin has been shown to reduce coronary events and revascularization procedures in patients with multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease. Related: How long does atorvastatin stay in my system after I stop it? A pharmacist found a stray 20-milligram (mg) tablet in a sealed 10-mg bottle, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here's how to help someone with diabetes who's also a picky eater, including a week's worth of meals for a diabetes meal plan. Is there any food or drink I need to avoid? Plans vary, so it is important to talk to your pharmacist about this. 2014 Jun 15;113(12):2018-20. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2014.03.046. See additional information. Do not take any red yeast rice products while you are taking atorvastatin because some red yeast rice products may also contain a statin called lovastatin. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Evaluation and management of blood lipids through a woman's life cycle. Atorvastatin is a type of drug called a statin, which is a group of drugs that all work in a similar way. atorvastatin 80 mg tablet | Kaiser Permanente Your cost may even be cheaper if you pay cash instead of a copay, so check with your pharmacist before you fill your prescription. Can you use limes or lime juice while taking statin drugs (i.e. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Controlling cholesterol with statins. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Barkas F, Adamidis P, Koutsogianni AD, Liamis G, Liberopoulos E. Arch Med Sci Atheroscler Dis. Depending on the situation, splitting Lipitor tablets can be a good cost-saving measure for some people. In 2006, Lipitor had the top U.S. drug sales of over $13 billion. So called high-intensity statins - 40 to 80 milligrams of atorvastatin or 20 to 40 milligrams of rosuvastatin - are the current standard of care for individuals 75 and younger with coronary . Atorvastatin Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments - Drugs.com Does it help to take Co-enzyme Q10 supplements together with statins? 2007;67 Suppl 1:63-9. doi: 10.2165/00003495-200767001-00007. hives. Why You Should Almost Certainly Stay on Statins After a Heart Attack Statins are typically very successful at lowering cholesterol, but they only work as long as youre taking them. These medications can be life-saving and it is important that you take your medication as prescribed. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Both products come in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg. Atorvastatin can also be found in one combination drug: Most of the drugs in the statin class are now available generically and are affordable for almost everyone.