Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin
About
Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin is a combination medication used for the prevention of heart attack and stroke. It also lowers raised bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein - LDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels. Heart attack refers to blocked blood flow to the heart due to blockage of arteries. The blockage is mostly a build-up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances that form a plaque in the arteries which feed the heart (coronary arteries). A stroke occurs due to blocked blood flow to the brain.
Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin is a combination of three drugs, namely: Atorvastatin (lipid-lowering agent), Glycine (protein), and Aspirin (blood thinner). Atorvastatin belongs to the class of lipid-lowering medicines called statins, or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that work by inhibiting a chemical messenger called HMG-CoA reductase enzyme that produces cholesterol in the liver. Glycine belongs to the class of proteins (amino acids) required for the healthy development of muscles, tissues, and skeleton. Thus, it minimizes the side effects caused due to atorvastatin, like muscle pain and muscle weakness. Aspirin is a pain killer (analgesic) and blood thinner, preventing blood clots, thereby minimizing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Thus, Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin is prescribed to the patients who have undergone recent heart bypass surgery to minimize the risk of future heart attack and stroke.
Take Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin with food to avoid stomach upset and swallow whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break it. Your doctor will advise you how often you take your tablets based on your medical condition. Some people may experience indigestion, nausea, headache, diarrhea, constipation, back pain, muscle pain, or joint pain. Most of these side effects of Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid using Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman and consult a doctor before taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin. You are advised to take effective birth control measures while taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin to avoid pregnancy while taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin. Maintain a low-fat diet along with Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin for effective results. Avoid taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin if you have severe liver disease, including abnormal liver enzyme tests. You are recommended to maintain a time gap of 2 hours between taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin and antacids containing magnesium or aluminum as taking these medicines simultaneously may reduce the absorption of Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin. If you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), muscle problems, severe respiratory failure, asthma, stomach ulcer, bleeding disorders, kidney or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin.
Uses of Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin
Medicinal Benefits
Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin is a combination of three drugs, namely: Atorvastatin, Glycine, and Aspirin. Atorvastatin belongs to the class of lipid-lowering medicines that decrease the production of LDL (bad cholesterol) by the liver. Also, it reduces the risk of stroke or heart attack by reducing the excess cholesterol deposition in the major blood vessels of the brain and heart. Glycine belongs to the class of dietary supplements called amino acids used to synthesize proteins in the body. Additionally, it is also necessary for the healthy development of muscles, tissues, and skeleton and minimizes atorvastatin's side effects such as muscle weakness. Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (pain killer) with an antiplatelet effect (blood thinner) that works by reducing the formation of blood clots by preventing platelets (blood cells) from sticking together. Additionally, it is also given to the patients who had recent heart bypass surgery to control the level of cholesterol and prevent blood clots.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Back pain
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Confusion
- Rapid breathing
- Seizure (convulsions)
- Bloody or tarry stools
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid using Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding women and consult a doctor before taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin. You are advised to take effective birth control measures while taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin to avoid pregnancy while taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin. If you are about to undergo any surgery, inform your doctor that you are taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin as it should be stopped a minimum of 2 weeks before surgery as Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding. Maintain a low-fat diet along with Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin for effective results. Avoid taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin if you have severe liver disease, including abnormal liver enzyme tests. You are recommended to maintain a time gap of 2 hours between taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin and antacids containing magnesium or aluminum as taking these medicines at the same time may reduce the absorption of Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin. You are advised to be careful while using sharp objects, cutting nails, shaving, or engaging in contact sports such as wrestling or football as Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding. If you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), muscle problems, severe respiratory failure, asthma, stomach ulcer, bleeding disorders, kidney or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin may have interaction with other medicines used to lower bad cholesterol (gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, ezetimibe), immunosuppressants (ciclosporin, tacrolimus), blood thinners (clopidogrel, warfarin, heparin, phenindione), antibiotics (clarithromycin, telithromycin, erythromycin, fusidic acid, rifampicin), anticancer drug (methotrexate) and antiviral drugs (ritonavir, lopinavir, atazanavir, darunavir, indinavir), water tablets (furosemide), heart-related medicines (digoxin, amiodarone, verapamil), antimanic drug (lithium), anticonvulsants (valproate, phenytoin), pain killer (ibuprofen), antidiabetic drug (glibenclamide), gout medicine (probenecid), medicines used to treat glaucoma (acetazolamide).
Drug-Food Interaction: Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin may interact with grapefruit juice. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid consumption of grapefruit juice with Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin as this combination may increase the risk of liver damage and a serious condition known as rhabdomyolysis (muscle tissue break down). Also, avoid foods rich in high cholesterol or fats as it may reduce the effectiveness of Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin. Avoid alcohol consumption with Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin as it may increase the risk of liver problems or stomach bleeding.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), muscle problems, severe respiratory failure, asthma, high blood pressure, gout, stomach ulcer, bleeding disorders, kidney or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol with Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Pregnancy
unsafeAtorvastatin+glycine+aspirin is not recommended for pregnant women, especially in the last trimester as statins are pregnancy category X medicine which may cause severe complications in mother or unborn baby. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin as it may be excreted in human milk and cause adverse effects in the baby. However, please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionAtorvastatin+glycine+aspirin may decrease alertness in some people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin.
Liver
cautionTake Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin is not recommended for patients with severe liver disease.
Kidney
cautionTake Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin is not recommended for patients with severe kidney disease.
Children
unsafeAtorvastatin+glycine+aspirin is not recommended for children below 16 years of age as it may cause Reye’s syndrome (a life-threatening disease affecting brain and liver) in children. However, please consult a doctor before using Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a low-fat diet. Limit your intake of dairy products made with whole milk and red meat. Prefer skim milk and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
- Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, whole grains, nuts and cut down beverages, processed and sugary foods.
- Do regular exercises such as swimming, cycling, walking, or dancing and focus on losing weight as obesity also raises bad cholesterol and lowers good cholesterol.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol intake.
Special Advise
- Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin to monitor liver functioning and white blood cells count.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Heart attack refers to blocked blood flow to the heart due to blockage of arteries. The blockage is most often a build-up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances, which form a plaque in the arteries that feed the heart (coronary arteries). Symptoms of a heart attack include discomfort in the chest or upper areas of the body, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness. A stroke occurs due to blocked blood flow to the brain. Symptoms of stroke include arm weakness and speech difficulty. Heart attack or stroke may occur due to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, family history, or lack of physical activity.
FAQs
Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin contains Atorvastatin, Glycine, and Aspirin. Atorvastatin belongs to the class of lipid-lowering medicines that works by decreasing the production of LDL (bad cholesterol) by the liver. Also, it reduces the risk of stroke or heart attack by reducing the excess cholesterol deposition in the major blood vessels of the brain and heart. Glycine belongs to the class of dietary supplements called amino acids that are used to synthesize proteins in the body. Additionally, it is also necessary for the healthy development of muscles, tissues, and skeleton and minimizes the side effects of atorvastatin such as muscle weakness. Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with an antiplatelet effect (blood thinner) that works by reducing the formation of blood clots by preventing platelets (blood cells) from sticking together.
You are not recommended to take Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin with warfarin which is a blood thinner as it may increase the risk of bleeding more easily. However, please consult your doctor before taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin with any other medicines.
You are recommended to avoid eating foods rich in fat or cholesterol. Also, avoid consumption of grapefruit juice with Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin as it may increase the risk of liver damage and a serious condition known as rhabdomyolysis (muscle tissue break down).
Yes, Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin may cause muscle pain or muscle weakness due to statin's presence in it. However, it is not necessary for everyone taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin to experience this side effect. However, if the pain persists or worsens, please consult your doctor.
You are not recommended to take Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin with fusidic acid as co-administration of these two medicines may lead to a severe muscle problem known as rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue). Therefore, inform your doctor if you have taken fusidic acid in last 7 days before taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin. You may be advised to stop taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin if you need to take fusidic acid. However, please consult a doctor before taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin with any other medicines.
Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin may increase the risk of developing diabetes, especially if you have high levels of fats or sugars in the blood, high blood pressure or if you are overweight. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is recommended while taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin and inform your doctor before taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin if you have diabetes.
Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin may cause rhabdomyolysis (the breakdown of muscle tissue) and may lead to kidney failure in some patients. It is not necessary for everyone taking Atorvastatin+glycine+aspirin to experience this adverse effect. However, if you experience unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, especially with fever, dark-colored urine, or unusual tiredness, please consult your doctor immediately.
