This article discusses what medications may interact with statins like Lipitor (atorvastatin).
It also covers medical conditions to report to your doctor before taking a statin.
Some medications may interact with statins by decreasing the effectiveness of the statin.
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Rhabdomyolysis is one of the most serious side effects of atorvastatin and other statins.
It takes place if damaged muscle tissue releases harmful substances into the blood.
These substances can permanently damage the heart and kidneys.
Tell your healthcare professional if you are already taking any of the medications below.
What Are Statins?
Statinsare prescribed to improve cholesterol levels.
They lowerLDL cholesterol(the “bad” cholesterol) andtriglycerideswhile raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
Various statin drugs are metabolized or processed by your body differently.
That means the potential for drug interactions can be different with various statins.
Always read the package insert to identify the drug interactions specific to the statin you are taking.
This is a general list of drugs that you should not take with atorvastatin and/or other statin medications.
Keep in mind that this is not a complete list.
They may also increase statin side effects.
Fibrates
Fibrates are another class of medications prescribed to lower high cholesterol.
When taken with statins, they may increase the risk of experiencing statin side effects.
They may also increase side effects.
It is available over the counter as a supplement.
The subjects taking the niacin experienced an increased incidence of muscle weakness compared to those taking a placebo.
You should avoid eatinggrapefruitorpomeloor drinking grapefruit juice when taking most statins.
Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir)
This antiviral medication is sometimes used to treat COVID-19.
It may interact with Lipitor and other statins by preventing them from breaking down in your body.
This can cause an increased risk of side effects such as muscle pain.
Sandimmune (Cyclosporine)
Cyclosporine is prescribed to prevent your body from rejecting a transplanted organ.
It may decrease the effectiveness of some statins.
Chief among these is liver disease.
Having liver disease doesn’t automatically mean you’re able to’t use statins.
Your healthcare professional may recommend that you avoid statins if you are pregnant.
This is due to earlier reports that they may cause birth defects.
Although a number of studies have questioned the association, it is nevertheless wise to avoid them.
Summary
Statin drugs can decrease bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.
Also, be sure to tell them if you’re taking any medications or supplements.
They may want to monitor your condition or switch you to a different jot down of medicine.
However, there are many precautions to be considered.
These are only a few of the possible drug interactions.
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