Atorvastatin+ezetimibe
About
Atorvastatin+ezetimibe belongs to a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)’ and ‘sterol absorption inhibitor’ Atorvastatin+ezetimibe is primarily used to treat high cholesterol levels. Dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol level) is the deposition of unhealthy levels of fats (lipid) in the blood. In this condition, there is always a high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol), triglycerides (TG), and a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol).
Atorvastatin+ezetimibe is a combination of two medicines: Atorvastatin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)) and Ezetimibe (sterol absorption inhibitor). Atorvastatin helps to decrease the production of cholesterol that may build up on the blood vessels (arteries) of the heart, brain, and other parts of the body. By lowering cholesterol levels, they help prevent the chance of having heart diseases such as heart attacks and strokes in the future. On the other hand, Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor that avoids the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. Together, they provide a better decrease in cholesterol in your body.
Take Atorvastatin+ezetimibe as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Atorvastatin+ezetimibe for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical conditions. You may experience nausea, stomach pain, constipation, muscle pain, headache, the increased glucose level in the blood, increased liver enzymes. Most of these side effects of Atorvastatin+ezetimibe do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. You should contact a doctor before if you have liver or kidney problems, severe lung disease. If you have a muscle problem, inform your doctor. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding then immediately inform your doctor because Atorvastatin+ezetimibe contains Atorvastatin that may harm an unborn baby. Do not take this Atorvastatin+ezetimibe if you have a previous heart attack or stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, have hypothyroidism, drink more than 2 servings of alcohol per day, and have a muscle disorder (fibromyalgia). The efficiency of Atorvastatin+ezetimibe can be increased by taking low fat or cholesterol-containing food and drinks.
Uses of Atorvastatin+ezetimibe
Medicinal Benefits
Atorvastatin+ezetimibe taken with dietary measures helps in the treatment of high cholesterol especially for heart patients when initial dietary measures fail to lower cholesterol. Atorvastatin+ezetimibe contains Atorvastatin which helps lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL) in the state of dyslipidemia or hyperlipidemia. Atorvastatin+ezetimibe also lowers the amount of fat or cholesterol deposition (plaque) in the arteries of the heart thereby reducing the chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the future. Atorvastatin+ezetimibe contains Ezetimibe which is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor that avoids absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. Together, they provide a better decrease in cholesterol in your body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Atorvastatin+ezetimibe
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Increased glucose level in blood
- Increased liver enzymes.
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. You should contact a doctor before if you have liver or kidney problems, severe lung disease. If you have a muscle problem, inform your doctor. Do not take this Atorvastatin+ezetimibe if you have a previous heart attack or stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, have hypothyroidism, drink more than 2 servings of alcohol per day, and have a muscle disorder (fibromyalgia). The efficiency of Atorvastatin+ezetimibe can be increased by taking low fat or cholesterol-containing food and drinks. Atorvastatin+ezetimibe is not safe for children as safety and efficacy of Atorvastatin+ezetimibe in children have not established. Atorvastatin+ezetimibe has Ezetimibe which contains a sugar called lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, talk to your doctor before taking this Atorvastatin+ezetimibe. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, then immediately inform your doctor because Atorvastatin+ezetimibe contains Atorvastatin that may harm an unborn baby. If you are a breastfeeding mother, then immediately contact your doctor as it is unknown if this Atorvastatin+ezetimibe passes into breast milk.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: This medicine may interact with antifungal medicines (Posaconazole), HIV medicines (ritonavir, Atazanavir), other cholesterol-lowering pills (gemfibrozil), antibiotics (daptomycin, telithromycin), medicines for reducing immune system (cyclosporine), hepatitis C medicines (telaprevir, glecaprevir + pibrentasvir).
Drug-Food Interaction: Atorvastatin+ezetimibe may interact with grapefruit. Avoid drinking alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Patients with serious liver disease (jaundice), kidney disease, lung disease, lung disease, and muscle weakness (rhabdomyolysis) should be closely monitored while having treatment with Atorvastatin+ezetimibe.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeDo not drink too much while taking this medicine. drinking a lot of alcohol you may more likely to get muscle and liver side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeAtorvastatin+ezetimibe contains atorvastatin which is not recommended during pregnancy. Contact your doctor before taking Atorvastatin+ezetimibe.
Breast Feeding
cautionBreastfeeding is not recommended while taking Atorvastatin+ezetimibe because it is unknown if this Atorvastatin+ezetimibe passe into breast milk. Contact your doctor before taking Atorvastatin+ezetimibe.
Driving
unsafeAtorvastatin+ezetimibe has negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Liver
cautionAtorvastatin+ezetimibe 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
cautionAtorvastatin+ezetimibe 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
unsafeAtorvastatin+ezetimibe is not recommended for children as safety and efficacy of Atorvastatin+ezetimibe has not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try aromatherapy, yoga, meditation to help relax your body and mind.
- Try to do breathing exercises to get more oxygen.
- Eat a healthy diet especially rich in soluble fibre like beans, legumes, whole grain, flax, apples, and citrus fruits.
- Try to replace most of your saturated fats with unsaturated fats that can reduce total cholesterol and 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.
- Try to adopt a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and fish, and low in red meat and most dairy.
- Try to give priority to more fruits and veggies in your daily meal as these contain antioxidants that help to lower LDL
- Minimize the intake of added sugar. The American Heart Association (ADA) recommends, one should not eat more than 100 calories (25 grams) of added sugar for women and children, and no more than 150 calories (37.5 grams) for men every day.
- American Heart Association recommends the intake of sodium chloride (table salt) should not exceed more than 2,300 mg per day as part of a healthy eating pattern.
- As a precautionary measure, do not consume alcohol and quit smoking.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver to protect nerves, make tissue, and various hormones. Our body also receives cholesterol from the food we eat like cooking oils, eggs, meats, and dairy products. Excess cholesterol is bad for our health. There are two types of cholesterol namely 'bad cholesterol' and 'good cholesterol'. Bad cholesterol comprises low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) while good cholesterol consists of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Usually, there are no specific symptoms of raised or high levels of cholesterol but a large deposition of cholesterol in the arteries (plaque) or heart blockage. Blocked artery or plaque formation in the arteries of the heart can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack, or stroke. So, it is advisable to have complete cholesterol tests (lipid profile test) at least once a year. It will help you to closely monitor your heart health and risk of heart attack and stroke.
FAQs
You should avoid alcohol while taking Atorvastatin+ezetimibe since it may rise your risk of getting side effects in the liver. Talk with your doctor if you have any troubles.
Yes. Muscle weakness can be the long-term side effects of Atorvastatin+ezetimibe. You may have muscle fatigue or muscle pain which affects your daily activity. Try to contact a doctor if you have muscle weakness or fatigue.
No, there is no evidence that Atorvastatin+ezetimibe is addictive. It is used for lowering cholesterol levels.
Atorvastatin+ezetimibe contains Atorvastatin that can raise your blood sugar a little. If you already have type 2 diabetes please consult your doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dosage of Atorvastatin+ezetimibe.
Increase your daily diet with fibre, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, and cut saturated fat as well. Stop smoking and drinking and try to work out every day as well.
No, you should not stop taking Atorvastatin+ezetimibe without consulting your doctor. Please take advice from the doctor before quitting.
