Information about Hmg-coa (Generic Atorvastatin) :


Atorvastatin (also known as a "statin) is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor that is used for decreasing high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients. It also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good") cholesterol levels. Atorvastatin is recommended to use along with an appropriate diet in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, chest pain caused by angina, or blood vessel blockage. It can also be used in certain patients for the purpose of hospitalization risk reduction for congestive heart failure, or the need for medical procedures to open blocked heart blood vessels. Atorvastatin may be also administered to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

You should not use Atorvastatin in case you have conditions mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Atorvastatin; you have liver problems or unexplained abnormal liver function tests; you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby; you are taking itraconazole, mibefradil, or telithromycin. In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this medicine.

Before using Atorvastatin you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are planning to become pregnant; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have low blood pressure, a serious infection, or a history of seizures; you have metabolism, hormonal, or electrolyte problems; you drink alcohol or have a history of liver problems or alcohol abuse; you have recently had major surgery or a serious injury.

Be aware that Atorvastatin may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the next: Amiodarone, azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), diltiazem, fibrates (eg, gemfibrozil, clofibrate), fluconazole, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), imatinib, immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine), macrolides (eg, erythromycin), mibefradil, nefazodone, niacin, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (eg, delavirdine), streptogramins (eg, dalfopristin), telithromycin, vasopressin receptor antagonists (eg, conivaptan), verapamil, or voriconazole because the risk of muscle or kidney problems

May be increased; Bosentan, carbamazepine, rifampin, or St. John's wort because Atorvastatin effectiveness may be decreased; Cimetidine, digoxin, hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills), macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), or spironolactone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Atorvastatin;

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Atorvastatin:
You should use Atorvastatin as recommended by your doctor with or without food. Try not to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at the same time you take Atorvastatin. It may increase the risk of possible side effects. You should consult with your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet.

Do not give up taking Atorvastatin even if you feel well. Try not to miss any dose and take it according to regular scheduler.

In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses at once.

Ask your health care provider for extra information about Atorvastatin usage.

Important safety information:
Taking of Atorvastatin may lead to dizziness. These effects may be worsening by taking alcohol or certain medicines. Prevent driving or performing any other possibly unsafe actions.

Drinking alcohol daily or in large amounts may increase the risk of liver problems while taking Atorvastatin. Consult with your doctor before drinking alcohol.

Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.

You should notice your doctor or dentist that you use Atorvastatin before any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Effective birth control should be taken by women who may become pregnant while taking Atorvastatin. Ask your doctor for extra information.

Tell your doctor in case you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor right away, especially if you also have a fever or general body discomfort.

To monitor your progress or to check for side effects lab tests, including blood cholesterol levels and liver function tests, may be performed. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

Use Atorvastatin with extreme caution in children younger than 10 years old and in those who have not reached puberty. Safety and effectiveness in these children have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: You should not use Atorvastatin in case you are pregnant because it may be harmful to the fetus. Try to avoid pregnancy while you are taking Atorvastatin. If you suppose you may be pregnant, consult with your doctor immediately. It is not clear whether Atorvastatin passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding while using Atorvastatin.

Possible side effects of Atorvastatin:
You should consult with your doctor if you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: constipation; gas; headache; stomach pain or upset; weakness.

Seek emergency in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; dark urine; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; flu-like symptoms; joint pain; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (with or without fever or fatigue); painful or frequent urination; pale stools; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe stomach pain; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture. It may be different for various batches.