Atorlip-20 (atorvastatin calcium) Canada
Description
Atorlip-20 (atorvastatin calcium) is a drug in the form of tablets that is used to treat low cholesterol levels in blood and reduce the amount of cholesterol on blood vessel walls. Doctors prescribe the drug along with special diet and exercises for those adults or children older than 10 who have high cholesterol levels or serious cardiovascular diseases (problems with heart and vessels) such as coronary disease or angina, risk of having myocardial infarction or a stroke or for those with second type of diabetes. Atorlip-20 enables one of the liver enzymes that is connected to cholesterol levels. The right dosage of the drug depends on many factors and is decided by a specialist, but usually Atorlip-20 has to be taken once a day during or between the meals. The tablets are meant to be swallowed with a lot of water. It is important to avoid drinking grapefruit juice because it interacts with the drug ingredients and changes its level in the body.
Recommendations
It is necessary to undergo a lipid value test before starting treatment with Atorlip-20 and determine the right dosage every month during the course.
Patients with liver disease, pregnant or women in lactation period (breast-feeding) and those who are allergic to atorvastatin or Atorlip-20 inactive ingredients (please read the drug description carefully) should not use this treatment. Therefore, women should use their birth control medications more carefully while taking Atorlip-20 as the drug can be harmful to the fetus. In addition to that, inform your health care provider if you have any of these medical conditions: kidney problems or history of kidney disease, underactive thyroid disorder, feeling of weakness or pain in your muscles, and if you drink alcohol every day (or every week but in large quantities).
Drug Interactions
In rare cases usage of Atorlip-20 leads to disruption of skeletal muscles which in its turn can cause kidney insufficiency. Some drugs, especially fibrates, can enhance the risk of disruption, those are ketoconazole, cyclosporine, niacin, itraconazole, erythromycin and gemfibrozil. Besides that, Atorlip-20 can intensify the side effects of warfarin (Coumadin), a medication used to prevent thrombosis in blood. Atorvastatin also interacts with cholestyramine and antacids which in rare cases diminish the concentration of the drug in plasma. It is not advised to eat grapefruits while taking Atorlip-20 because it can increase levels of serum and lead to adverse effects. Vitamin D is known for decreasing the level of atorvastatin in blood.
Side Effects
It is common to have diarrhea and stomach pain, pain in muscles or joints while taking Atorlip-20. The more serious adverse effects that should make you contact a medical specialist include difficulty urinating (pain, inability to urinate), extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, swelling of your hands, ankles or feet which could be the symptoms of kidney failure; pain in the upper stomach, nausea, dark brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark-red-colored clay or itching which could be the signs of serious liver condition; abrupt weak feeling in one side of the body or in left arm, unbearable headache, difficulty speaking, vision changes and trouble maintaining the balance which could be caused by heart failure. Contact a medical specialist at once if you notice muscle pain or tenderness without any reason, or if you get tired easily. Emergency help is needed in case of allergic reactions, such as swelling of the tongue, lips, throat or face or breathing troubles, though they are rare.