Atorvastatin Drug : Medicine to Improve Cholesterol Levels

When was the last time you felt body pain and got tired easily? Could it be increased cholesterol levels? There are various symptoms of elevated cholesterol levels. Some may experience a tingling sensation or numbness in different parts, of the body. Some may have sore hands and feet, yet another may have recurrent headaches. While chest pain is the most common and important symptom one may experience, it is not necessary for everyone with high cholesterol levels to, experience it. Each individual is unique and has a unique set of genes, therefore, exhibit different signs and symptoms of the same disease. Similarly, each individual also has different reactions to the same medicine. While one may experience immediate relief, the other will not have any impact of the same drug for the same disease.  

So, is there a way to know which drugs suit you? Your body? The answer is ‘Yes!’ The study of genetic information to predict a response to a drug is known as pharmacogenetics.

MEDNAwise genetic test is the perfect tool to know the response of your body to the drugs. With this test, the doctors will know, the medicine that would be the perfect match for your health issue. The market is flooded with many drugs and medicines to help maintain cholesterol levels. Out of the many options available, the best suited to your body can be known easily by the MEDNAwise genetic test.

An interplay of various factors leads to imbalanced cholesterol levels. Atorvastatin is one of the most popular choices of drugs to lower cholesterol levels.

What is cholesterol? 

Cholesterol helps in building new cells, nerve insulation, and hormone production. Cholesterol is synthesized in the liver, but can also enter the body from food sources like milk, eggs, and meat. The accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of arteries can cause a decreased blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart, brain, and other organs. That can lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even death in individuals.

What is Atorvastatin? 

It belongs to a group of drugs used to manage cholesterol levels. These are called Statins. It slows down cholesterol production in the body and lowers cholesterol build-up on the arterial wall. Atorvastatin is used for lowering the triglycerides and low-density 

lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (which is also known as 'bad cholesterol). Also, to 

elevate high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ('good cholesterol) in the blood. 

When is Atorvastatin prescribed? 

Atorvastatin tablet is available as Atorvastatin 10mg, 20mg and 40mg. 

When the cholesterol levels are elevated and need effective management. 

It helps lower the LDL or bad cholesterol and increase the HDL or good cholesterol. 

It helps lower triglycerides too. 

Atorvastatin is used to reduce the chances of stroke or heart attack.

It also slows the progression of heart diseases and diabetes.

How to take Atorvastatin? 

It comes in a tablet form with various high and low dosages. (Atorvastatin 10mg - Atorvastatin 80mg). The doctor may start with an Atorvastatin tablet of 10mg. The dose may vary as per the requirement of the patient. Take the correct dose as prescribed by the doctor. It has to be taken once a day with food. The Atorvastatin tablets are easy to take. For best results, it is advisable to take it at bedtime. It is always a good idea to take the atorvastatin tablets, at the same time every day. If you happen to miss a dose, do not panic, take your next dose as per schedule. If you miss only by a few hours and there are more than 12 hours before the next dose, you can safely take the medicine.? 

It generally takes a few weeks before the cholesterol levels are restored to normal or lowered from previous readings. A blood test helps understand the efficacy of taking Atorvastatin in reducing elevated cholesterol levels.? 

Common brands available in the market: 

Lipitor is the leading brand for atorvastatin. It is available as Lipitor 10mg to Lipitor 80mg. 

Some other brands are: 

Lipitor (Pfizer)

Lipicure (Intas) 

Lipikind (Mankind) 

Atorva (Sun Pharma) 

Atorlip (Cipla) 

Lilo (GlaxoSmithKline)

Side effects of Atorvastatin: 

Some common side effects could include: 

Pain in joints 

A sore throat 

A stuffy nose 

Mild pain in arms or legs 

Diarrhoea 

Before taking Atorvastatin, do inform the doctor if: 

You have any kidney or liver problems

You are pregnant?

Breastfeeding 

Have thyroid problems 

Are diabetic 

Are prone to drink alcohol every day 

Also, about your current medications. Atorvastatin is found to have some side effects when taken with certain other drugs. 

How to know if Atorvastatin is the correct drug for you: 

Usually, doctors prescribe a drug and according to the response from the patient, they alter the dosage or change the drug entirely. The doctor could start with Atorvastatin 10 mg tablets and then alter the dose as per the results shown by the patient. With the MEDNAwise test, the doctors immediately know which drugs are best suited for you. This test can predict your genetic response to 70+ drugs used in different medical specialties, including atorvastatin. Armed, with this information it has become very easy to get the best-suited drug to your unique self.

It is never too late to make health your top priority. Take charge and use the new technologies and methods. The era of personalized healthcare has arrived, make the most of it. We at Indus believe that good health grants peace of mind. Our professionals are ready to assist and counsel you. To know your body better, sign up for MEDNAwise genetic testing today!