Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel
About
Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel is a combination drug of blood-thinning agents and cholesterol-lowering agents, primarily taken for the prevention of heart attack and stroke. It also lowers the raised level of cholesterol in our body. A heart attack generally refers to a blocked flow of blood to the heart due to the blockage of arteries. The blockage is most often a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances, which form a plaque in the arteries that feed the heart (coronary arteries).
Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel is composed of three medicines namely: Atorvastatin, Clopidogrel and Aspirin. Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering medication that blocks the enzyme required to make cholesterol in the body. It reduces the bad cholesterol (also known as low-density lipoproteins or LDL), triglycerides (TG) and increases the levels of good cholesterol (also known as high-density lipoproteins or HDL). Clopidogrel and Aspirin are blood thinners (anticoagulant) that collectively prevent the formation of a clot in the blood vessels. It also helps to reduce the increased levels of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides). Together Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel help to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart-related chest pain (angina).
You can take Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel with food or without food. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, bite, or break it. Your doctor will advise you how often you take Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience headaches, dizziness, ankle swelling (oedema), slow heart rate, diarrhoea, and nausea. Most of these side effects of Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Try not to stop taking this medicine of your own. Stopping Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel abruptly may worsen your condition and increase your risk of a future heart attack. Let your doctor know if are sensitive to atorvastatin, clopidogrel or aspirin, have any active liver disease, active bleeding issues (like peptic ulcer, brain haemorrhage), muscle problem (myopathy, rhabdomyolysis), pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. The patient should inform the doctor that they are taking Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel before any surgery is scheduled or any new medicine is taken. Atorvastatin present in Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel is a pregnancy category X drug so it is contraindicated in pregnant women. As it may cause harm to the fetus if administered to a pregnant woman. Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel is known to cause dizziness, so driving should be avoided.
Uses of Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel
Medicinal Benefits
Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel is composed of three medicines namely: Atorvastatin (lipid or cholesterol-lowering medicine), Aspirin (analgesic and anticoagulant) and Clopidogrel (anticoagulant). Together they help in lowering increased bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein - LDL) and raise good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein - HDL). This, in turn, prevents the formation of blood clots and plaque (cholesterol) deposited in the walls of heart arteries thereby minimizing the risk of cardiovascular heart diseases like heart attack and stroke.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Ankle swelling (oedema)
- Slow heart rate
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know if are sensitive to atorvastatin, clopidogrel or aspirin, have any active liver disease, active bleeding issues (like peptic ulcer, brain haemorrhage), pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. The patient should inform the doctor that they are taking Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel before any surgery is scheduled or any new medicine is taken. Atorvastatin present in Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel is a pregnancy category X drug so it is contraindicated in pregnant women. Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel contains Atorvastatin which can cause muscle problems like myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. The safety and effectiveness of Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel have not been established, so its use should be avoided in pediatric patients or children less than 12 years of age. Abrupt discontinuation of Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel may lead to the occurrence of cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke and angina (heart-related chest pain). Hence, you should consult a doctor before stopping the dose of Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel may interact with an antibiotic (clarithromycin), anti-HIV drugs (ritonavir, lopinavir, darunavir, atazanavir, indinavir), antifungal medicines (itraconazole), blood thinners (warfarin, heparin), anti-arthritis drugs (colchicine), heart-related medicine (digoxin), and immune system affecting drugs (cyclosporine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Alcoholic beverages and grapefruit or its juice intake should be avoided with Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel as it may interact with Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel to produce unpleasant side effects like muscle problems and bleeding disorder.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel should not be given to the patients with active liver disease, active bleeding issues (like peptic ulcer, brain haemorrhage), muscle problems or musculoskeletal problems (myopathy, rhabdomyolysis), asthma, and purpura (blood leakage under the skin).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel should not be taken until prescribed if you are taking alcohol. Keep your doctor informed if you drink alcohol.
Pregnancy
unsafeAspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel contains Atorvastatin which is a pregnancy category X medicine. It may cause harm to both the pregnant mother and the fetus. Hence, it is not recommended for pregnant women and those who are planning for a pregnancy. Your doctor might prescribe you only in an extreme case.
Breast Feeding
cautionTake Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel only when prescribed, it is known to pass on in a limited quantity via breast milk to the child.
Driving
cautionDrive with caution, Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel usually causes blurry vision and may affect driving ability.
Liver
cautionAspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionAspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionAspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel is not recommended for children below the age of 16 years. The safety and effectiveness of Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel have not been established in children due to limited testing of this drug on children by competent authorities across the world.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- A low cholesterol diet along with a regular exercise regime is recommended.
- As a precautionary measure, you are recommended not to consume alcohol, junk food items from outside, stick to a freshly prepared home-cooked meal and take proper rest, for a speedy recovery.
- And also try to replace most of your saturated fats with unsaturated fats can reduce total cholesterol and bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) in a short span of time.
- Foods like avocados, olive oil, fatty fish and nuts contain lots of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, so it’s beneficial to eat them regularly.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Atherosclerosis occurs when fats, cholesterol, and other substances known as plaque deposits on your artery walls that restrict blood flow. This plaque formation triggers blood clot, narrow the arteries size, and makes it hardened. This in turn can lead to various heart complications like atherosclerosis, heart attack, heart-related chest pain (angina), and stroke. However, it can also affect the arteries of the body apart from the heart.
FAQs
The use of Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel may cause nausea and vomiting. It is best to take Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel with food or with an antacid to avoid nausea and vomiting. If still, you are feeling sick, consult your doctor for the best advice.
Yes, Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel contains clopidogrel and aspirin that causes blood thinning. It works by preventing platelets (a type of blood cells) from sticking together and forming clots which in turn prevents the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Please consult your doctor if Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel needs to be stopped before undergoing surgery. The doctor might ask you to stop taking Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel a few days before surgery to avoid the increased risk of bleeding during the procedure.
Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel is generally safe to take for a long time. In fact, it works best if you take it for many months or even years. If you're at risk of getting a stomach ulcer, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to help protect your stomach while you're taking Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel.
Yes, the use of Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel can cause dizziness (feeling sleepy, tired). If you feel dizzy, inform your doctor and do as advised.
Yes, taking Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel can increase the risk of bleeding as it contains aspirin and clopidogrel which belongs to a class of blood-thinning agents. So, please be very cautious while shaving, cutting fingernails or toenails, or using sharp objects to avoid any bleeding. Let your doctor know before going any surgical procedure, that you are taking Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel.
Prolonged use of Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel may cause muscle diseases like myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. So if you feel any musculoskeletal pain after taking Aspirin+atorvastatin+clopidogrel consult your doctor about this issue.
