Atorvastatin: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Atorvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, commonly known as a statin. It is most often prescribed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events in adults with risk factors for heart disease.

Atorvastatin requires a prescription in the United Kingdom. It has been available as a generic medicine since 29 May 2012.

Atorvastatin is prescribed to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization procedures, and angina in adults with multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease but without clinically evident disease. It is also used to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease but no clinically evident disease. In adults with established coronary heart disease, atorvastatin reduces the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction, fatal and non-fatal stroke, revascularization procedures, hospitalisation for congestive heart failure, and angina.

As an adjunct to diet, atorvastatin lowers LDL cholesterol in adults with primary hyperlipidaemia, in adults and children aged 10 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, and in adults and children aged 10 years and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. It is also used as an adjunct to diet for the treatment of adults with primary dysbetalipoproteinaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia.

Atorvastatin belongs to a class of medicines called statins, which work by blocking an enzyme in the liver known as HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme plays a key role in the production of cholesterol. By inhibiting this enzyme, atorvastatin reduces the amount of cholesterol the liver makes, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, often referred to as LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol.

Lowering LDL cholesterol can slow the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, which in turn reduces the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. Statins may also have other effects that help protect blood vessels and improve their function. The medication is taken regularly to maintain lower cholesterol levels over time.

The label lists atorvastatin in 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg tablets, as well as a 20 mg per 5 mL oral suspension. The usual starting dose is 10 mg to 20 mg once daily, and the dosage range is 10 mg to 80 mg once daily. Patients who require LDL cholesterol reduction greater than 45% may be started at 40 mg once daily.

For children aged 10 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, the usual starting dose is 10 mg once daily, with a dosage range of 10 mg to 20 mg once daily. For children aged 10 years and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, the usual starting dose is 10 mg to 20 mg once daily, with a dosage range of 10 mg to 80 mg once daily.

The label states that atorvastatin is taken orally once daily at any time of the day, with or without food. Cholesterol levels may be assessed as early as 4 weeks after starting treatment, and the dose may be adjusted if necessary.

If a dose is missed, do not take the missed dose. Resume treatment with the next scheduled dose at the usual time. It is important to maintain regular dosing to keep cholesterol levels controlled.

Taking two doses together to make up for a missed dose is not advised. If doses are frequently missed, cholesterol levels may not be as well controlled. Speak to a pharmacist if there are questions about managing missed doses or maintaining a dosing routine.

The label advises that atorvastatin should be discontinued when pregnancy is recognised, though the ongoing therapeutic needs of the individual patient may be considered. Atorvastatin decreases cholesterol synthesis and possibly other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol, and may therefore cause foetal harm based on its mechanism of action. Treatment of high cholesterol is not generally necessary during pregnancy, and discontinuation of cholesterol-lowering medicines during pregnancy should have little impact on long-term therapy outcomes for most patients.

Available data from observational studies over decades of statin use in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major congenital malformations. Published data with atorvastatin use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine if there is a drug-associated risk of miscarriage. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should discuss atorvastatin treatment with their doctor or pharmacist.

The label lists storage at 20 degrees to 25 degrees Celsius, which corresponds to 68 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, in line with controlled room temperature standards. Store tablets in their original container to maintain quality, and keep them out of reach of children.

Avoid exposure to excessive heat or moisture. Follow any additional storage instructions provided on the packaging or by the pharmacist.