Atorvastatin is manufactured by Apotex, one of the most well known and experienced pharmaceutical manufacturers in Canada. It is also the generic version of Lipitor. Atorvastatin is a statin, which is a type of drug that lowers the cholesterol level in your blood. It does this by slowing the enzymes in your liver that produce cholesterol. This helps lower your overall cholesterol, making you more healthy while also helping to prevent future heart attacks or heart problems.
You might be facing unhealthy levels of cholesterol in your blood if you have a poor diet, if you are overweight, or if you rarely get exercise; however, high cholesterol levels are often a result of the fact that cholesterol levels naturally rise in your blood until you reach about 50 years old. By then, a high level of cholesterol is common, but still cause for concern. Your doctor will most likely have prescribed Atorvastatin for you based on your blood test results. If you have concerns about your cholesterol level, speak to your doctor about getting it checked out.
Your doctor has most likely suggested that you take your Atorvastatin in the evening. This is what is most often recommended. Your doctor may also have asked you to take the drug once daily, which is also the recommended dosage. If your doctor has given you separate or different instructions, follow her or his instructions. Always take it as directed by your doctor. It can usually be taken with or without food. If you have had a heart attack in the past, a typical treatment is between 10 mg and 80 mg a day of Atorvastatin. Never exceed 80 mg of this medicine a day. Whenever you see a different doctor, or if you get a new doctor, always tell her or him that you are taking these tablets.
Side effects are not very common when taking this medicine. Still, it is important that you understand what negative effects you may experience when taking this generic and effective drug.
Atorvastatin can cause jaundice, which is yellow skin; however, the chance of that happening is very small. There may also be some symptoms that have not yet been reported or studied, so speak with your doctor if you feel unusual, or if any new symptoms or side effects present themselves.