Atorvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medication which belongs to the medication class known as statins. The drug reduces the generation of cholesterol in the liver and thus helps the body recover to the right balance. This, in turn, reduces the risk of serious complications.

High cholesterol levels are one of the main causes of atherosclerosis that can lead to a blood clot. Atorvastatin works by blocking the body’s own cholesterol production, which has a positive effect on cholesterol concentrations.

What’s on this page?

How does Atorvastatin work?

Atorvastatin is both, the name of the medicine and its active ingredient. As noted above, the drug is one of the statins that prevent the body from producing cholesterol. This, in turn, reduces cholesterol levels as well as fat in the blood. Most of us know the terms “good” and “bad” cholesterol, but the meanings of these terms may require further clarification. Good cholesterol refers to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), while bad cholesterol means low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Good cholesterol reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, i.e. clogged blood vessels, and benefits the body, while low cholesterol, LDL, promotes the risk of this condition and other cardiovascular diseases. You can find more about high cholesterol here.

It is important to remember that cholesterol itself is not in any way harmful – on the contrary, cholesterol is an indispensable ingredient of human and animal tissues. Adverse reactions only begin when cholesterol levels exceed a certain threshold.

When should I use high cholesterol medication?

Increased cholesterol may be the result of many causes. Especially genes and hereditary factors can play a significant role. Very high cholesterol levels are usually due to the latter. Therefore, it is important to know if family members also have high cholesterol, as this will increase the susceptibility. However, lifestyles also play an important role in increasing values. If you live a healthy life, you can maintain normal cholesterol levels even if you have an inherited tendency.

Instructions for use

Atorvastatin is a highly effective drug for treating high cholesterol. It is available in a form of a tablet. The usual daily dose is 10 mg, with a duration of about four weeks. Dosage size can be increased by 20, 40 or 80 mg if a smaller size does not produce the desired results. Dosage size can be adjusted every four weeks until the cholesterol level is at the desired level. Behind the drug’s success is its active ingredient atorvastatin, which prevents liver enzymes from producing cholesterol. By limiting cholesterol emissions, Atorvastatin facilitates the recovery of cholesterol levels back to normal. This also reduces the risk of diseases and other complications. Some other medications in the medication class of statins are Crestor, Fluvastatin and Lescol.

Side effects

Only use this medicine as directed by your doctor to optimize the effectiveness of the treatment. If you have any questions about the use of this medicine, contact your doctor.

Next, we will give you some of the most common guidelines regarding the use of this medicine, but keep in mind that they do not replace the instructions you received from your doctor or the instructions contained in Atorvastatin’s package leaflet. Instead, the list below gives you a more complete picture of the drug and its use.

The most common side effects are:

  • diarrhoes
  • nausea
  • constipation
  • liver problems
  • pharyngitis
  • hay fever
  • muscle pain
  • headache
  • rise of blood sugar levels

In rare cases, serious side effects may also occur. Therefore, you should read Atorvastatin’s package leaflet before starting to use the medicine.

Is Atorvastatin suitable for me?

Atorvastatin is suitable for most people. However, it should be remembered that the use of the medicine increases the risk of various side effects. Adverse reactions may occur especially in people who are susceptible to them.

  • Statins can increase blood glucose and therefore the drug is not suitable for people with diabetes
  • If you have liver or kidney failure, you should be aware of possible side effects
  • If you have severe muscular problems, contact your doctor if you experience severe muscle cramps without cause
  • Some medicines should not be used in combination with Atorvastatin. These include, for example, certain antibiotics and HIV medicines.
  • In addition, homeopathic products containing peric can be disadvantageous when used with Atorvastatin. Read more about the package leaflet and contact your doctor about the medicines you are using.

Who is the medication suitable for?

If you have high cholesterol, it is important to do something about it. High cholesterol can lead to untreated atherosclerosis, which in the worst case leads to blood clots and heart problems. If lifestyle changes do not help lowering cholesterol, medical treatment can help restore the balance of the body. In addition to cholesterol, you should make lasting lifestyle changes that help lower your cholesterol. These lifestyle changes include, for example, diet, exercise, and weight loss.

Can I buy it without a prescription?

The medicine is available only with the prescription prescribed by the doctor. Thus, it is not possible to buy a micine without a prescription. Your doctor may write you a prescription if the medicine is suitable for you. However, this requires that you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol.

Buying the medication online

It is possible to obtain atorvastatin either online with a prescription prescribed by the doctor or from a regular pharmacy. If you decide to buy the product online, you will need to answer a few questions about your medical history, your current health status, and the medicines you are currently using. This allows the doctor to prescribe a new prescription and the medication will be delivered to you by post.