Description
Atorvastatin is a statin. It lowers cholesterol by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme the liver uses to make cholesterol, which increases the clearance of LDL cholesterol from the blood. It is licensed to treat raised cholesterol and mixed dyslipidaemia, and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in people at increased risk.
One tablet is taken once a day and can be taken at any time, with or without food, though keeping to the same time each day helps. Treatment goes alongside a diet lower in saturated fat and, where relevant, other lifestyle changes. Blood tests are usually taken before starting and repeated during treatment. Tell your prescriber promptly about unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness.
Atorvastatin must not be taken in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and you should tell your prescriber if you are planning a pregnancy.
- Statin that lowers cholesterol by blocking HMG-CoA reductase
- For raised cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk
- One tablet daily, at any time, with or without food
- Available in 10mg, 20mg, 40mg and 80mg tablets
- Report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness
- Not for use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding
