John asked
Can you let me know the following: what the brand name for atovastatin calcium?
Answer
The brand name for atorvastatin calcium is Lipitor. This medication comes in multiple different strengths including:
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
- 80 mg
Lipitor (atorvastatin) is normally taken as one pill once a day.
What Is Atorvastatin Used For?
Atorvastatin belongs to a class of medications called statins. These medications are used to lower bad cholesterol (LDL). To some extent, statins also help to increase good cholesterol (HDL). The HDL helps to get rid of more of the LDL. Statins work by stopping the production of cholesterol in the liver, which causes the liver to pull more LDL back into it to eliminate, which gets it out of the blood.
This decreases the levels of LDL in the blood, helping prevent it from building up in the vessels. Cholesterol can build up in the blood vessels and cause them to narrow, or the cholesterol can break off of the vessels and cause a blockage in the heart (heart attack) or brain (stroke). Lowering LDL helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. Statins are usually the go-to medications that are used, if possible, before other types of medications to lower cholesterol.
Other 'Statin' Medications
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol)
- Lovastatin (Altoprev)
- Fluvastatin (Lescol XL)
- Pitavastatin (Livalo, Zypitamag)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Cholesterol Lowering Effects
Each statin does not have the same impact on the lowering of LDL. There are different intensities of these medications: low-intensity, moderate-intensity, and high-intensity. Studies have shown low-intensity statins decrease LDL the least, and high-intensity statins decrease LDL the most.Statin - LDL Lowering Intensity
| Low-Intensity Statis (Decrease LDL By <30%) | Moderate-Intensity Statins (Decrease LDL 30-50%) | High Intensity Statins (Decrease LDL By > 50%) |
|---|---|---|
| Simvastatin 10 mg | Atorvastatin 10-20 mg | Atorvastatin 40-80 mg |
| Pravastatin 10-20 mg | Rosuvastatin 5-10 mg | Rosuvastatin 20-40 mg |
| Lovastatin 20 mg | Simvastatin 20-40 mg | - |
| Fluvastatin 20-40 | Pravastatin 40-80 mg | - |
| Pitavastatin 1 mg | Lovastatin 40-80 | - |
| - | Fluvastatin XL 80 mg | - |
| - | Pitavastatin 2-4 mg | - |
What Are Some Potential Side Effects of Statins?
Many people do not experience side effects from statins, but all medications have the potential to cause side effects. Side effects should be discussed with a doctor if they bother you or do not go away. Some potential side effects with statins are:- Joint/muscle pain or cramping
- Upset stomach
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Trouble sleeping
Serious side effects are very rare. However, the doctor or other medical help should be called immediately with any serious issues, such as signs of an allergic reaction, severe muscle pain or weakness, confusion, dark urine, yellowing of skin/eyes, or pale stools.
Other Information
- Statins should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Statins should not be taken if you are taking gemfibrozil.
- Talk with your doctor about the potential for drug interactions between statins and amiodarone, verapamil, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, protease inhibitors (darunavir, tipranavir, ritonavir, telaprevir, atazanavir), and certain antibiotics.
- Simvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin and fluvastatin should be taken at bedtime.
- If you drink grapefruit juice, talk with your doctor, as these may potentially interact with the juice.
