Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Taking Atorvastatin For Cholesterol? NHS Issues Caution For Certain Patients

atorvastatin for cholesterol

A widely used medication prescribed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease may trigger uncomfortable side effects in some people, including nosebleeds. In England, around 5.3 million people are currently taking statins, a group of drugs designed to help bring cholesterol levels down.

<h2>What Is <span rel="noindex">Atorvastatin</span>?</h2>

Atorvastatin, sold under brand names such as <span>Lipitor</span>, is a commonly prescribed <span>statin medication</span>. Doctors use it to lower cholesterol levels and help reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems, as per Mayo Clinic.

<h2>Atorvastatin: What Atorvastatin Is Prescribed For?</h2>

Atorvastatin is commonly prescribed to people with raised cholesterol, as well as those who have a family history of heart disease or long-term conditions such as diabetes or arthritis. NHS guidance explains that the medicine is usually taken as a tablet, with chewable options available for people who struggle to swallow pills.

High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to build up in blood vessels, increasing the risk of serious complications such as heart attacks and strokes. It is also a major factor in cardiovascular disease, which is responsible for more than a quarter of all deaths in England.

<h2>Atorvastatin Possible Side Effects</h2>

While atorvastatin is effective at lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, it is not suitable for everyone. Like many medicines, it can cause side effects in some people, particularly when taken over long periods. Others may take it for years without noticing any problems at all.

<h2>People Advised To Avoid Atorvastatin</h2>

The NHS advises that atorvastatin is generally not recommended during pregnancy, as it may pose risks to a developing baby. If someone becomes pregnant while taking the drug, they are advised to stop using it and speak to a doctor as soon as possible.

Alternative treatments may be offered during pregnancy. Women may also be advised to stop taking atorvastatin while breastfeeding. It is not yet clear how much of the drug passes into breast milk or whether it could cause side effects in infants.

NHS guidance stresses the importance of seeking medical advice if you are taking atorvastatin and are trying to conceive, are already pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You should also speak to a doctor before taking atorvastatin if you:

<ul><li>Have lung disease</li><li>Have previously had a stroke caused by bleeding in the brain</li><li>Have experienced muscle-related side effects from statins in the past</li><li>Have ever had an allergic reaction to atorvastatin or another medicine</li><li>Have a history of myasthenia gravis or ocular myasthenia</li><li>Have an underactive thyroid</li><li>Have ever been diagnosed with a muscle disorder, including fibromyalgia</li><li>Regularly drink large amounts of alcohol</li><li>Have liver or kidney problems</li></ul>Further information and detailed guidance on atorvastatin can be found on the NHS website.

This information is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

atorvastatin

lipitor

statin medication

cholesterol lowering drug

high cholesterol treatment

heart disease prevention

cardiovascular risk

cholesterol management

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A widely used medication prescribed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease may trigger uncomfortable side effects in some people, including nosebleeds. In England, around 5.3 million people are currently taking statins, a group of drugs designed to help bring cholesterol levels down.What Is Atorvastatin?Atorvastatin, sold under brand names such as Lipitor, is a commonly prescribed statin medication. Doctors use it to lower cholesterol levels and help reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems, as per Mayo Clinic.Atorvastatin: What Atorvastatin Is Prescribed For?Atorvastatin is commonly prescribed to people with raised cholesterol, as well as those who have a family history of heart disease or long-term conditions such as diabetes or arthritis. NHS guidance explains that the medicine is usually taken as a tablet, with chewable options available for people who struggle to swallow pills.High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to build up in blood vessels, increasing the risk of serious complications such as heart attacks and strokes. It is also a major factor in cardiovascular disease, which is responsible for more than a quarter of all deaths in England.Atorvastatin Possible Side EffectsWhile atorvastatin is effective at lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, it is not suitable for everyone. Like many medicines, it can cause side effects in some people, particularly when taken over long periods. Others may take it for years without noticing any problems at all.People Advised To Avoid AtorvastatinThe NHS advises that atorvastatin is generally not recommended during pregnancy, as it may pose risks to a developing baby. If someone becomes pregnant while taking the drug, they are advised to stop using it and speak to a doctor as soon as possible.Alternative treatments may be offered during pregnancy. Women may also be advised to stop taking atorvastatin while breastfeeding. It is not yet clear how much of the drug passes into breast milk or whether it could cause side effects in infants.When To Speak To A DoctorNHS guidance stresses the importance of seeking medical advice if you are taking atorvastatin and are trying to conceive, are already pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You should also speak to a doctor before taking atorvastatin if you:Have lung diseaseHave previously had a stroke caused by bleeding in the brainHave experienced muscle-related side effects from statins in the pastHave ever had an allergic reaction to atorvastatin or another medicineHave a history of myasthenia gravis or ocular myastheniaHave an underactive thyroidHave ever been diagnosed with a muscle disorder, including fibromyalgiaRegularly drink large amounts of alcoholHave liver or kidney problemsFurther information and detailed guidance on atorvastatin can be found on the NHS website.Disclaimer:This information is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.