Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin calcium, the active ingredient in Lipitor, is a cholesterol-lowering tablet used to lower cholesterol in Hypercholesterolaemia and to reduce cardiovascular event risk in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention. Lipitor comes in four strengths, from 5 mg to 40 mg.
Key points
- Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis: Atorvastatin may cause muscle pain, tenderness or weakness with raised creatine kinase levels, and in rare cases this can progress to rhabdomyolysis, a serious muscle breakdown.
- Liver monitoring: Increases in liver enzymes have been reported, so liver function tests are recommended before starting treatment and periodically afterwards. Use with caution if you drink substantial amounts of alcohol or have a history of liver disease.
- Extended activity: The parent drug clears from the blood in about 14 hours, but active metabolites keep inhibiting cholesterol production for 20 to 30 hours.
How does Atorvastatin work?
Atorvastatin calcium blocks HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme your liver uses to make cholesterol. With less cholesterol being produced, the liver pulls more LDL particles out of the bloodstream through its surface receptors, lowering circulating “bad” cholesterol. It also reduces the number of LDL particles the liver releases in the first place, which is the mechanism behind Cholesterol Management with this medicine.
Further reading
What is atorvastatin used for?
Atorvastatin is used for hypercholesterolaemia and cardiovascular disease prevention.
How does atorvastatin lower cholesterol?
Atorvastatin blocks the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase that the liver uses to make cholesterol. This makes the liver pull more LDL particles out of the bloodstream and release fewer LDL particles.
How long does atorvastatin take to work?
Atorvastatin starts to work in 1 to 2 weeks. It stays active in the body for about 24 hours.
What are the side effects of atorvastatin?
Common side effects include muscle pain, headache and diarrhoea. More serious side effects include rhabdomyolysis and severe liver damage (hepatotoxicity), which need immediate medical attention. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.
Can you drink alcohol while taking atorvastatin?
Use with caution if you drink substantial amounts of alcohol. Increases in liver enzymes have been reported, so liver function tests are recommended before starting treatment and periodically afterwards. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you drink heavily.
Which atorvastatin products does Direct Meds sell?
On Direct Meds, atorvastatin comes as Lipitor. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
How much does atorvastatin cost in South Africa?
Compare the rand prices for each product, strength and pack above. Prices are converted from US dollars. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Is atorvastatin available over the counter in South Africa?
Yes, online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order atorvastatin. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Where can I buy atorvastatin in South Africa?
On Direct Meds: choose the product, strength and pack, then check out. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →