Statins are drugs that reduce the level of bad cholesterol in
the body by limiting the production of cholesterol in the liver. Atorvastatin
belongs to a group of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase or commonly known as
statins. It prevents and treats heart attacks, chest pain, stroke, and
intermittent claudication.
Lipitor (Atorvastatin) belongs to a group of drugs called
HMG-CoA reductase or commonly known as statins. In general, statins are drugs
that reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the body through limiting the
production of cholesterol in the liver.
There are different types of statin drugs approved for use in
the United States. These include:
• Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• Simvastatin (Zocor)
• Lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor)
• Fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL)
• Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
• Pitavastatin (Livalo)
• Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Ultimately, statins are touted as being able to prevent and
treat atherosclerosis – a condition that causes heart attacks, chest pain,
stroke, and intermittent claudication as a result of the accumulation of fats
and cholesterol along the walls of the arteries. Among the statins listed
above, Lipitor is the second most widely used statin drug all over the United
States.
Atorvastatin is an oral prescription drug commonly sold under
the brand name Lipitor. It is also sold in generic form, which will cost less
on your part. In some cases, however, generic drugs may not have every strength
or form available – compared to the branded version.
Why Is Lipitor Used?
The makers of Lipitor claim the drug reduces the risk of heart
disease, stroke, and lessens the possibility of having heart surgery that
people with – or at risk of – heart disease. This is why Atorvastatin is
usually taken with proper diet, weight loss, and an active lifestyle.
Other than that, the drug is used to lessen the accumulation of
fatty substances – low-density lipoprotein (LDL or ‘bad’) cholesterol and the triglycerides
found in the blood; and in turn, increase the amount of high-density
lipoprotein (HDL or ‘good’) cholesterol.
There has been a great deal of research in recent years,
however, that brings into question whether cholestoral is linked with Heart
Disease. Doctors like Uffe Ravnskov who wrote “The Cholesterol
Myths: Exposing the Fallacy that Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Cause Heart
Disease”. In fact, he believes the studies put out in the
scientific community do not accurately show a direct link between high
cholesterol and heart disease. Several other studies have shown just the
opposite – that cholesterol is beneficial for the body in many ways, especially
in older adults.
What Are The Side
Effects of Lipitor?
Atorvastatin, as with other drugs, can cause certain side
effects. However, it is important to remember that the side effects of the
drugs vary between each individual. The list below may or may not contain every
possible side effect. It is best to discuss with side effects with your elderly
loved one’s physician or healthcare team.
Common Side Effects
The following are the more common side effects your loved one
may experience when taking atorvastatin oral tablets:
• Diarrhea
• Cold symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, and coughing)
• Heartburn
• Gas
• Memory problems (being forgetful)
• Joint pain
• Confusion
These side effects are usually mild and may subside within a few
days or weeks at most. However, when if the symptoms are severe and extend for
a period of time, it is best to check in with a doctor or a pharmacist.
More Serious Side Effects
The following side effects are serious and may lead to health
problems if not addressed right away. Do not hesitate to call 911 or go a
hospital near you if the symptoms of the drug appear to be life-threatening.
These symptoms may include:
• Liver problems
•
Loss of appetite
•
Yellowing of the skin or in the
white part of the eyes
•
Dark-colored urine
•
Upper stomach pain
•
Exhaustion or weakness
• Muscle problems
•
Exhaustion
•
Unexplained muscle pain,
weakness, or tenderness
In addition, according to a study from Ireland, more serious
side effects include:
• 3% of people will develop cataracts in their eyes
• A small percentage may experience kidney problems
• Higher risks of diabetes and cancer
• Memory loss
• Coronary artery calcification
• A tenfold increase in erectile dysfunction, especially in
younger men taking statins
How Can Lipitor Interact With Other Meds?
As expected, Lipitor oral tablets may interact with other
medications, herbs, and multivitamins your loved one is taking. An interaction
may cause the drug to alter the way it works; therefore it can be harmful to
your loved one or it may prevent the drug from working properly.
Your loved one’s doctor will see to it that the risk of drug
interactions is minimal. In order to prevent interactions, the doctor will
usually manage all of your loved one’s medications. All they have to do is to
tell them about the meds, vitamins, or herbs they are taking.
The following are the examples of the drugs that may interact with
Atorvastatin. However, it is important to remember that – similar to the side
effects – the type of interaction varies between each individual. It is best to
speak with your loved one’s doctor about it to ease your mind.
Fungal Drugs
Some drugs used to cure fungal infections potentially cause
Atorvastatin to accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of muscle
breakdown. Your loved one’s doctor does not have to hinder you from taking
Lipitor, he/she may alter the dosage of the drug instead:
• Ketoconazole
• Itraconazole
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
The drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol may increase the risk
of developing muscle problems when taken together with Atorvastatin. Your loved
one’s doctor will either alter the dosage of the medicines or prescribe you
other meds instead.
• Niacin
• Gemfibrozil
• Certain drugs that contain fibrate
Antibiotics
The following antibiotics are known to heighten the risk of
developing muscle problems when a person takes it with Atorvastatin:
• Erythromycin
• Clarithromycin
HIV and Hepatitis C Drugs
Prescription drugs used to treat Hepatitis C or HIV may interact
with Atorvastatin by letting the drug accumulate in the body. This increases
the possibility of a muscle breakdown; therefore the doctor may alter the
dosage of Atorvastatin.
• Protease inhibitors
•
Ritonavir
•
Lopinavir
•
Darunavir
•
Fosamprenavir
•
Boceprevir
•
Telapravir
•
Tipranavir
•
Saquinavir
Colchicine
Colchicine increases the risk of muscle breakdown when taken
with Atorvastatin.
Rifampin
When taken together, Rifampin and Atorvastatin can potentially
lower the amount of Atorvastatin in the body. Which means, the drug won’t be
able to work the way it is supposed to.
Digoxin
As opposed to Rifampin, Digoxin may dangerously increase the
amount of Digoxin found in the blood. The doctor will monitor the level of the
drug found in the blood, so he/she is able to modify the medication doses if
necessary.
What Are the Warnings?
It is beneficial that your loved one will know the following
warnings when it comes to taking Atorvastatin:
Food Interactions
The consumption of large amounts of grapefruit juice may
increase the amount of Atorvastatin found in the blood – increasing the risk of
a muscle breakdown. It is best to avoid drinking copious amounts of grapefruit
juice while taking the drug.
Allergies
For some people, Atorvastatin may cause a severe allergic
reaction. Some of the symptoms are:
• Difficulty in breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
If you think your loved one is having an allergic reaction to
the drug, call 911 immediately or go to an emergency room near you. If the
senior has a history of an allergic reaction to Atorvastatin, they should not
be taking the drug again. Doing so can cause serious problems – even death.
Muscle Problems
If your loved one is experiencing muscle breakdown, taking
Atorvastatin worsens it or increases the possibility of developing one.
Especially to seniors, people with thyroid problems, or kidney disease. Tell
your loved one to inform their doctor if they experience unexplained muscle
problems – soreness, weakness, or pain.
Kidney Problems
Kidney problems, along with taking Atorvastatin increases the
possibility of developing muscle breakdown. Your loved one’s doctor will most
likely monitor them closely for signs of muscle problems.
Diabetes
There are cases where Atorvastatin increased blood sugar levels.
If your loved one is diabetic, their doctor may alter the dosage of the
medication or change it entirely.
Liver Disease
If your loved one has liver disease, it might be better for them
to avoid taking Atorvastatin since it can increase their liver test results –
heightening the risk of liver damage. Certain lab tests for the liver showed
that taking Atorvastatin made their results abnormally high.
Make sure to ask your loved one to take Atorvastatin as directed
by their physician – the correct dose, time, and way of taking it. If your
loved one has concerns regarding the drug – side effects felt or questions that
needed to be answered – it is best to discuss it with their doctor or
healthcare team.
We have quite a few mobile
doctors who come to our assisted living homes to personally see our residents
and care for their needs. If you would like more advice about Lipitor and
statins in general, please do not hesitate to contact us.
@aparadiseforparents https://aparadiseforparents.com 623-295-9890 info@aparadiseforparents.com
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