atorvastatin (cont.)
Cholestyramine (Questran) decreases the absorption of atorvastatin. Atorvastatin should
be given at least two hours before and at least four hours after cholestyramine.
PREGNANCY: Atorvastatin should not be taken during
pregnancy because the
developing fetus requires cholesterol for development, and atorvastatin reduces
the production of cholesterol. Atorvastatin should only be administered to women
of childbearing age if they are not likely to become pregnant.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if atorvastatin is secreted in breast milk.
Because of the potential risk of adverse events,
breastfeeding mothers should
not use atorvastatin.
SIDE EFFECTS: Atorvastatin is generally well-tolerated. Minor side effects
include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue,
gas,
heartburn, and headache.
Atorvastatin may cause liver and muscle damage. Serious liver damage caused by
statins is rare.
More often, statins cause abnormalities of liver tests, and,
therefore, periodic measurement of
liver tests in the blood is recommended for
all statins. Abnormal tests usually return to normal even if a statin is
continued, but if the abnormal test value is greater than three times the upper
limit of normal, the statin usually is stopped. Liver tests should be measured
before initiation, at 12 weeks following initiation of therapy and dose changes,
and periodically thereafter.
Inflammation of the muscles caused by statins can lead to serious breakdown
of muscle cells called rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis causes the release of
muscle protein (myoglobin) into the blood, and myoglobin can cause
kidney
failure and even death. When used alone, statins cause rhabdomyolysis in less
than one percent of patients. To prevent the development of serious
rhabdomyolysis, patients taking atorvastatin should contact their healthcare
provider immediately if they develop unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or
muscle tenderness.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 4/14/2008
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Statins - Read about statins, cholesterol lowering medications like Levacor, Zocor, Pravachol, Lipitor, Crestor, and more. Side effects, drug interactions, and patient information is also provided.
- Liver Blood Tests - Learn about liver blood tests used to detect liver damage disease such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatitis, Tylenol liver damage, and more. This includes measuring the aminotransferases enzymes (AST and ALT levels)
- Stroke - Learn about strokes symtoms like sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, confusion, vision problems, problems with walking or coordination, or severe headache.
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