What exactly is Atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is also known as Lipitor and is prescribed medication to lower cholesterol. Statins are a class of medications that block a specific enzyme in the liver which helps to create cholesterol. Atorvastatin reduces cholesterol levels and can prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Atorvastatin uses
People with high cholesterol and other risk factors of developing cardiovascular disease are often prescribed Atorvastatin. Atorvastatin has been proven to lower LDL and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol. You can use it alone, or with other cholesterol-lowering drugs. Research has also shown that atorvastatin can reduce inflammation and oxidative stresses, both of which may contribute to the development of heart disease.
Atorvastatin's purported benefits
Numerous observational and randomized clinical studies have been conducted on Atorvastatin. Studies have repeatedly shown that atorvastatin can reduce cholesterol and increase the chance of heart attacks and strokes. Numerous large-scale studies also suggest that atorvastatin may reduce your risk of dying from any type of cancer.
Recent studies also suggest that atorvastatin may reduce your risk of getting dementia or Alzheimer's. The effect seems to occur independently of cholesterol-lowering drugs, which suggests that there may be additional benefits for the brain from atorvastatin.
Atorvastatin Side Effects
Side effects of Atorvastatin are generally mild and temporary. Side effects that are most commonly experienced include nausea, headaches, stomach pain and muscle pain. Although rare, serious side effects may occur such as myopathy (muscle damage or weakness), rhabdomyolysis ("broken down of muscle tissue") and liver injury.
Monitor patients taking atorvastatin for any changes in liver function or creatine kinase levels. It is not recommended that pregnant women or those who plan to get pregnant take atorvastatin.
Expert opinions or professional opinion about Atorvastatin
Most experts agree that atorvastatin can be used safely and effectively to treat high cholesterol. It also reduces the chance of developing cardiovascular disease such as stroke and heart attack. Experts believe that atorvastatin could have other benefits such as lowering the chance of Alzheimer's and dementia.
There is much debate over the best dose and duration of atorvastatin. While some doctors advocate aggressive doses, others believe that moderate dosages are just as effective and have fewer side effects.
What to do when you start taking Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin can be taken as an oral tablet. It is usually consumed once daily. For those who have very high cholesterol, a higher dosage may be recommended. Before starting treatment, patients should talk with their doctor about the benefits and risks of taking atorvastatin.
Atorvastatin can be purchased as both a generic and brand-name medication. You can buy it over-the-counter in certain countries. However, you will need a prescription from a physician to purchase atorvastatin in the United States.
Conclusion
Atorvastatin, a prescription drug that is widely prescribed for high cholesterol prevention and heart attack/stroke prevention, has been used extensively. Numerous clinical studies have shown that it's safe and effective. It is usually well-tolerated when used as directed. Although there are still questions about how much atorvastatin should be taken, the medication is safe and effective in reducing cholesterol and protecting against cardiovascular disease.