Atorvastatin+ezetimibe
About Atorvastatin+ezetimibe
Atorvastatin+ezetimibe is primarily used to treat high cholesterol levels. Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol level) is the deposition of unhealthy levels of fats (lipids) in the blood.
Atorvastatin+ezetimibe contains Atorvastatin and Ezetimibe. Atorvastatin helps to decrease the production of cholesterol, and Ezetimibe prevents the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines.
You may experience nausea, stomach pain, constipation, muscle pain, headache, increased glucose level in the blood, and increased liver enzymes. If the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not take Atorvastatin+ezetimibe if you are allergic to any of its components. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking and pre-existing medical conditions.
Uses of Atorvastatin+ezetimibe
Medicinal Benefits
- Atorvastatin+ezetimibe helps in the treatment of high cholesterol, especially for heart patients, when initial dietary measures fail to lower cholesterol.
- It helps lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL).
- Atorvastatin+ezetimibe also reduces the amount of fat or cholesterol deposition (plaque) in the heart arteries, thereby lowering the risk of future heart attacks or strokes.
Directions for Use
- Take Atorvastatin+ezetimibe with or without food, or as advised by a doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Atorvastatin+ezetimibe
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Increased glucose level in the blood
- Increased liver enzymes
Drug Warnings
- Avoid taking Atorvastatin+ezetimibe if you are allergic to any of the components in Atorvastatin+ezetimibe.
- Do not take Atorvastatin+ezetimibe if you have a previous heart attack or stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, have hypothyroidism, or a muscle disorder (fibromyalgia).
- Inform your doctor if you have liver, kidney or lung problems.
- Atorvastatin+ezetimibe is not safe for children as the safety and efficacy of Atorvastatin+ezetimibe in children have not been established.
- If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, talk to your doctor before taking Atorvastatin+ezetimibe.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
- Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines.
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 the immune system (cyclosporine), and 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, and muscle weakness (rhabdomyolysis) should be closely monitored while having treatment with Atorvastatin+ezetimibe.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionDo not drink too much while taking this medicine. Drinking a lot of alcohol, you may be more likely to get muscle and liver side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionAtorvastatin+ezetimibe contains atorvastatin, which is not recommended during pregnancy. Contact your doctor before taking Atorvastatin+ezetimibe.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorBreastfeeding is not recommended while taking Atorvastatin+ezetimibe because the safety of this medication passing into breast milk is unknown. Contact your doctor before taking Atorvastatin+ezetimibe.
Driving
safeAtorvastatin+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. 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. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeAtorvastatin+ezetimibe is not recommended for children as the safety and efficacy of Atorvastatin+ezetimibe has not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try aromatherapy, yoga, and 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 grains, 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 meals, as these contain antioxidants that help to lower LDL
- Minimise the intake of added sugar. The American Heart Association (ADA) recommends that 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.
- The American Heart Association recommends that the intake of sodium chloride (table salt) should not exceed 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
High Cholesterol: 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). Blocked artery or plaque formation in the arteries of the heart can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack, or stroke.
FAQs
Atorvastatin+ezetimibe is used to treat high cholesterol levels.
You should avoid alcohol while taking Atorvastatin+ezetimibe since it may increase your risk of getting side effects in the liver. Talk with your doctor if you have any trouble.
Atorvastatin+ezetimibe is a medication that helps lower cholesterol levels. It works in two ways: by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced in the liver and blocking the absorption of cholesterol from food in the intestines. This medication helps significantly reduce harmful cholesterol levels, which can lower the risk of heart disease.
Yes. Muscle weakness can be a long-term side effect 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, which can cause a slight increase in blood sugar levels. 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.
Atorvastatin+ezetimibe is generally well-tolerated, with most individuals experiencing transient and manageable adverse effects. Commonly reported side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, stomach pain, and constipation), musculoskeletal pain, headache, and minor elevations in blood glucose and liver enzyme levels. These effects typically resolve over time. However, if any adverse reactions persist or worsen, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.
Atorvastatin+ezetimibe is a highly effective treatment option when used as directed by your healthcare provider. It is crucial to adhere to the prescribed dosage and treatment duration to achieve optimal results. Completing the entire course of therapy is essential, as premature discontinuation may lead to the return or worsening of symptoms. By following your doctor's instructions, you can maximise the benefits of Atorvastatin+ezetimibe and effectively manage your condition.
No, it is not recommended for use in patients with active liver disease. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have any liver diseases before prescribing Atorvastatin+ezetimibe. Your doctor will assess your condition and determine whether this medication is safe and appropriate for you.
Diarrhoea is a potential side effect of Atorvastatin+ezetimibe, although it occurs in a minority of individuals. If you experience diarrhoea while taking this medication, it is essential to prioritise hydration by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, and electrolyte-rich beverages. If diarrhoea persists or becomes severe, consult your healthcare provider promptly for guidance and support.
