How to take ATORVASTATIN (Lipitor) | Doctor explains dose, side effects and more.

In this video Doctor O'Donovan explains key facts you need to know about Atorvastatin (also known as Lipitor) - a cholesterol lowering drug called a 'statin'.

In the video we cover:

1. What atorvastatin is and why you might take it
2. Common strengths of tablets
3. How and when to take it and what to do if if you forget to take it, or if you take too much by
accident
4. Common and important side effects to be aware of
5. What you need to know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
6. And finally some commonly asked questions

Basic information:

It belongs to a group of medicines called ‘statins’ and it’s usually used to lower cholesterol if you have been diagnosed with high blood cholesterol and to prevent heart disease, including heart
attacks and strokes.

Your doctor may also prescribe atorvastatin if you have a family history of heart disease, or a long-
term health condition such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Further information via NHS website:

#doctor #statins #medication #pharmacy #atorvastatin

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Disclaimer:

The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O’Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O’Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. This is an EDUCATIONAL video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines.

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Content provided via YouTube is for general information purposes ONLY. Information videos are not produced to provide individualised medical advice. Medical education videos on Doctor O'Donovan are not a substitute for professional professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. NEVER ignore professional medical advice because of something you have heard here. ALWAYS consult your doctor regarding any concerns about your condition or treatment.

[andrewmcwatt]

I know a couple of people who have been given statins and had serious side effects. My sister was one, she ended up walking with a stick because her legs kept giving way. Her doctor said it was nothing to do with the statins he had recently prescribed. Strange that, when she stopped taking the statins the symptoms stopped. Too many doctors are educated by drugs companies.

[videomaniac]

I was prescribed 40 mg/day of Atorvastatin to treat an elevated cholesterol level. I was asymptomatic at the time and the blood test showed only the elevated cholesterol and a vitamin D deficiency as things out of the ordinary. After about 3 months I started having severe and painful cramps in the calves of both legs with odorous urine that foamed significantly. A subsequent blood test revealed that I was in stage 2 renal failure, to my utter shock. There was no change to my diet or lifestyle during this period, so I could attribute this change in my kidney function to no other cause than the medication I was taking.

I immediately stopped the drug and adopted a low saturated fat diet with adequate fiber intake and limited protein and salt. The symptoms did lessen and I am feeling better, but I never went back to the doctor, at the VA clinic, and decided to not pump myself full of drugs and play Russian Roulette with my health. I'm also getting more cardiovascular exercise, which is also helping things out.

[saymed]

Watery eyes, back pain, atorvs... Oil base, , create muscle pain, feeling toe pain, difficulty to getting up, dementia bed, broken hips, also sleep disturbance, when i stop for 3 days i feel better.

[aliceprakash]

Thank u for being clear, not being verbose like some others, & quite informative with regard to this medicine.

[snodgee]

I’ve been on them for about 10 years and had blood tests every year and no problems

[stephenmartin]

As I write this I have decided to get off of Atovostatin because of muscle cramps. I have discussed this with my cardiologist during my last visit. I have reduced my dosage from 40 mg to 20 mg and yet the muscle cramps seem to have intensified.

[RobertSmith-vbhn]

Saved my life well and truly. I've been taking 20mg for 26 years after a bypass without one side effect. 😊

[rajasooriyarvelauthan]

My muscles and tendons are badly affect ed. Also a bit memory loss.

[randyterpstra]

i suffered a brain hemorrhage many years ago & the muscle aches side effect of this made my affected foot & toes cramp up so badly i couldn't walk & had to have my doctor find an alternative

[merlyngilbert]

Thank you. Your teaching was very clear, simple and informative. ❤

[mikegoff]

I found my best results after dumping it in the trash and staying off statins

[dakg]

Approximately four years ago I was prescribed Atorvastatin (20mg) by a cardiologist. I took one tablet every night for those years. Fast-forward to three months ago. A nephrologist ordered some blood works on my kidney functions. After she got the results, she called and ask if I was still taking the Statin drug, and that I should stop taking them immediately because the test results showed a breakdown in my muscle cells. SMH.

[majellamcdonald]

I take 10mg atorvastatin daily, due to high cholesterol and family history. Blood tests show raised triglycerides and raised liver function test results. Doctor took me off the statin for a short while and retested the bloods. Triglycerides and liver function test came back normal while off the statin. I asked my doctor if I could stop taking it and he said no, I had to stay on it.

[connoroleary]

I have recently been prescribed statins by my doctor. I really want to take them, but there seems to be so much negativity directed at them and so many people claiming enormous side effects that i am rather scared of taking them.

[BabsOlowo]

What about taking it first thing in the morning before eating?

[MrBobthebird]

Hi, Can it cause Heart Burn when I lie down I tend to get it? Offen in the middle of the night. I drink a lot of healthy fruit drinks with no added sugar. Thanks for your help. Brilliant Vidio.Not grapefruit.

[Jane-zphy]

Thank you for the information. I am diabetic and take thgs medicine. I have beentaking it in the morning. Now I will try taking it in the evening and leave out grapefruit and juice. Thanks.

[yohan]

It helps me to understand why I have diarhea now. I have taken 10 mg each day for eight years. It had no side effect in the first 6 years.

[Jennifer-nzss]

I started taking them this summer.2024. No problems yet. Im very concerned about my health but, my cholesterol is 272! I guess I need them? I'm petite at 5'1" 145lbs the Dr. Saying I'm pre-diabetic also. My diet is not so good. I was prescribed 2 diffrent types. 1 in AM and 1 in PM.

[mikeweber]

After bypass surgery over a decade ago I was started on this. I have to say I seemed to handle it well and had no sudden side effects. However I’ve been reading and hearing that long term use can lower male testosterone, something i believe has affected me the last few years and seems to have gotten much worse lately. My cholesterol is well controlled and in fact has trended lower over the last five years. Guess it’s time to talk to my GP and the cardiologist’s nurse I see yearly.