Atorvastatin🔊

What is Atorvastatin for?

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a cholesterol lowering drug that works like simvastatin, which is primarily by blocking the enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis, especially in the liver, and hence reduces cholesterol levels. It is the first-line medication used for hypercholesterolaemia or hyperlipidemia.

The detailed indications of Atorvastatin include primary hypercholesterolemia or combined (mixed) hyperlipidemia in patients who did not respond adequately to diet and other appropriate measures, homozygous or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in patients who have not responded adequately to diet and other appropriate measures, primary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular disease or at high risk of having a cardiovascular event (e.g. people who smoke, people with diabetes), and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events.

How to use it?

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is taken by mouth as tablets. Most people take it on a daily basis in the evening. The dose range of Atorvastatin is 10 to 80 mg once daily. Lower doses are often prescribed in Asians and your doctor will typically start with an initial dose of 5 to 20 mg daily. The dose of Atorvastatin can be adjusted based on your cholesterol levels. 

What are the side effects of Atorvastatin?

The most common side effects of Atorvastatin are muscle pain, muscle weakness, and shoulder pain. Rare side effects include an increased risk of diabetes, cognitive impairment (inability to focus or remember) and rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown).

Where to buy Atorvastatin in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Atorvastatin is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.