Atorvastatin
- ../../audio/mi/full/atorvastatin.mp3
a-tor-va-stat-in
- ../../audio/mi/sections/atorvastatin/2.0_Title_Pronounce_Atorvastatin.mp3
What does it do?
- What does it do?
- ../../audio/mi/sections/atorvastatin/3.0_What does it do_Atorvastatin.mp3
Atorvastatin is used to lower cholesterol. This reduces your chance of having a stroke, heart attack, and other related problems.
Before you start
- Before you start
- ../../audio/mi/sections/atorvastatin/3.3_Before you start_Atorvastatin.mp3
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How should you take it?
- How should you take it?
- ../../audio/mi/sections/atorvastatin/4.0_Admin_Atorvastatin.mp3
Take atorvastatin regularly as directed with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food.
What if you forget a dose?
- What if you forget a dose?
- ../../audio/mi/sections/atorvastatin/5.0.1_Missed dose_What if you forget_If it is nearly time for your next dose.....mp3
If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Can you take other medicines?
- Can you take other medicines?
- ../../audio/mi/sections/atorvastatin/6.0_Other meds_Atorvastatin.mp3
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs.
What side effects might you notice?
- What side effects might you notice?
- ../../audio/mi/sections/atorvastatin/7.0_Side effects_Atorvastatin.mp3
| Side Effects | Recommended action |
|---|---|
|
Symptoms of a serious muscle problem such as: ongoing muscle weakness or pain, dark urine |
Tell your doctor immediately |
|
Muscle weakness or pain |
Very rarely, this can be serious – check with your doctor |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other information:
- Other information:
- ../../audio/mi/sections/atorvastatin/8.0_Other information_Atorvastatin.mp3
- Grapefruit, grapefruit juice or sour/Seville oranges may react with atorvastatin. Discuss with your pharmacist.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
- ../../audio/mi/sections/atorvastatin/9.0_Disclaimer.mp3
Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023
For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
Te Reo Māori
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About My Medicines
My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.
For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed