Europe — EMA
Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
GNH USA supplies Lipitor (Atorvastatin), a HMG‑CoA reductase inhibitor for hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk reduction.
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What is Atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin, the active ingredient in Lipitor, is a HMG‑CoA reductase inhibitor presented as a tablet for oral use. It treats hypercholesterolemia and related lipid disorders in adults. GNH USA supplies Lipitor as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies and clinics worldwide.
What is Atorvastatin used for?
Atorvastatin acts on cholesterol metabolism and is indicated for several lipid‑related conditions. - Hypercholesterolemia: lowers low‑density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol. - Mixed dyslipidemia: reduces triglycerides and raises high‑density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. - Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: decreases the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and related events. - Familial hypercholesterolemia: helps manage genetically elevated cholesterol levels.
What are the side effects of Atorvastatin?
Common side effects are generally mild and reversible.
Common Side Effects: - Muscle pain or weakness - Elevated liver enzymes - Headache - Nausea or abdominal discomfort - Dizziness - Fatigue
Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) - Acute liver injury - Severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash, angioedema) - Myopathy with marked creatine kinase elevation - Hepatic failure - Life‑threatening hypersensitivity reactions
What precautions apply to Atorvastatin?
Patients should be monitored for safety and drug interactions before and during therapy. - Liver function monitoring: obtain baseline and periodic liver‑function tests. - Muscle symptom monitoring: advise patients to report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness. - Pregnancy contraindication: avoid use in pregnancy (Category X). - Drug interaction review: assess concomitant use of CYP3A4 inhibitors and other lipid‑lowering agents. - Renal impairment dosing: consider dose adjustment in severe renal dysfunction. - Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C in the original packaging, protect from moisture.
What does Atorvastatin interact with?
Atorvastatin may interact with several medicines that affect its metabolism or increase the risk of muscle toxicity.
Major Interactions (Avoid): - Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole) - Grapefruit juice - Cyclosporine
Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Bile‑acid sequestrants (may reduce absorption) - Warfarin (potential for altered anticoagulant effect) - Fibrates (increased risk of myopathy)
