Atorvastatin

What is Atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin belongs to a group of medications called statins which are designed to lower cholesterol.

It can also help to prevent the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes, so you may be prescribed Atorvastatin if you or your family have suffered from long-term health problems in the past.

Atorvastatin comes in tablet form and be available as a chewable tablet if you have difficulty swallowing.

With Prescription Doctor, you can get a private prescription of Atorvastatin online. Simply fill out our online medical form for one of our prescribers to review.

What is High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol is a common condition that can occur in a wide range of people. It can affect fit, healthy people in the same way as those with a high BMI and inactive lifestyle.

While the causes are wide-ranging, it is frequently associated with a genetic predisposition, as well as eating an unhealthy diet and lack of appropriate exercise.

These factors can cause a fatty substance, called cholesterol, to build up in the arteries around your body.

High cholesterol can be dangerous if left untreated because it can lead to a hardening of the arteries, as well as causing your arteries to become narrower (this process is referred to as atherosclerosis).

When this happens, it can be harder for the blood to flow around the body. The lack of circulation caused by cholesterol can therefore lead to further complications, such as an increased risk of heart disease and strokes.

Knowing your cholesterol level is important as it can be an indicator of whether you are at an increased risk of developing complications associated with high cholesterol.

We offer a rapid home testing kit which can give you an indication of your cholesterol level in just a couple of minutes. You can buy a home cholesterol testing kit online from Prescription Doctor today.

How does Atorvastatin work?

Atorvastatin, like all statins, works by reducing or stopping the production of cholesterol in the body.

It works by blocking the enzyme which creates cholesterol and helping the body to reabsorb the level of cholesterol currently in your body.

If you have high cholesterol, the Atorvastatin can help to reduce the level of cholesterol in your arteries by reabsorbing the cholesterol which has built up over time.

This can allow your blood to flow as normal, reducing your risk of heart disease and strokes.

How do I take Atorvastatin?

Always take Atorvastatin as prescribed by your doctor.

The dose you receive will depend on your age, severity of the levels of cholesterol and any other medical conditions you may have.

Many users will need to be placed on a smaller dose at first, with this dosage being gradually increased over time – usually at a rate of every 4 weeks or longer.

The most common strengths to be prescribed range from 10mg to 80mg, and they should always be taken once a day, as per your prescription.

Atorvastatin tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

You can take Atorvastatin with or without food. You may find it easier to remember if you take Atorvastatin alongside a meal.

Do not crush or chew Atorvastatin tablets.

It should be taken at the same time, each day and must be taken exactly as prescribed.

Your doctor may prescribe Atorvastatin alongside a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, such as Ezetimibe.

Artovastatin should be taken every day, even if you feel well, until you are told otherwise by your prescriber. If you are buying high cholesterol treatments online, be sure to follow the instructions given in the PIL and by the pharmacist or doctor who has prescribed them.

Atorvastatin Side Effects and Cautions

Before you start taking Atorvastatin, you must read the patient information leaflet that comes with your tablets.

You can also view the patient information leaflet for atorvastatin online.

If you have concerns about any of the information found within the patient information leaflet, speak to your doctor.

Side effects

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody experiences them.

It's important to remain aware of all side effects associated with your medicine throughout your course of treatment.

Side effects of atorvastatin may include:

• abnormal liver function test results
• back pain
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• headache
• increase in blood sugar levels
• indigestion
• inflammation of the nasal passages
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• muscle spasms
• nausea
• nose bleeds
• throat pain
• wind (flatulence)

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects associated with Atorvastatin. Further information regarding the safety of Atorvastatin, including a complete list of side effects, can be found within the patient information leaflet.

Allergies

Do not use Atorvastatin if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed within the patient information leaflet.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Atorvastatin if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, trying for a baby, or are breastfeeding.

The safety of taking Atorvastatin whilst pregnant or breastfeeding has not been established.

If you become pregnant while taking Atorvastatin, inform your doctor as soon as possible.

For further information, speak to your doctor.

Other safety information

Inform our online prescribers of all other medicines you are currently taking, including those prescribed by your doctor, or bought over the counter, as well as health and herbal supplements.

Do not take Atorvastatin past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Never throw away Atorvastatin tablets via household or water waste, as this can damage the environment. Instead, take any unwanted or expired medication to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose them safely for you.

Always store Atorvastatin tablets out of sight and reach from children and pets.

Never share a medication that has been prescribed to you with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms as you, or have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I forget to take Atorvastatin when I should?

If you are within 12 hours of the missed dose, you can take your normal dose as soon as you remember. However, if you need to take your next dose within the following 12 hours, then you should skip the dose and take your next tablets as normal.

What should I do if I take too much Atorvastatin?

If you have taken more than your prescribed dose of Atorvastatin, it is important that you call your doctor immediately. They will know your medical history and be best placed to give you appropriate advice. If you are suffering from diarrhoea, joint point, heartburn, confusion, forgetfulness or muscle weakness it is likely that you have taken too much of your Atorvastatin and you should contact your doctor.

If your symptoms are severe, then you should call 999 for an ambulance, or go to your nearest accident and emergency for treatment.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Atorvastatin?

As alcohol is likely to raise your risk of liver disease while taking Atorvastatin, it is inadvisable to drink alcohol while being treated with this medication. If you have more than 2 alcoholic drinks a day, or more than 2 units of alcohol per day, then speak with your doctor about further help with your cholesterol.

Will Atorvastatin impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Research has shown that the majority of people who take Atorvastatin are able to work, drive and operate machinery as normal. However, if you feel that this medication does affect you, then speak with your doctor about the side effects and about other possible treatments.

Can I buy Atorvastatin online?

Yes, you can buy Atorvastatin online from certified pharmacies, such as Prescription Doctor. You will be asked the same series of questions if you buy your high cholesterol treatment online as you would when you visit your local GP and a qualified prescriber will assess your needs.