ASTOR belongs to a group of medicines known as lipid (fat) regulating medicines, also referred to as statins. ASTOR is used, together with a low fat diet, to reduce your levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (fat in the blood). It is important to continue with your low fat diet and lifestyle changes while taking ASTOR.
WHAT ASTOR IS USED FOR:
BEFORE YOU TAKE ASTOR:
Do not take ASTOR if you
- are hypersensitive (allergic) to atorvastatin, any other statin, or any of the ingredients of ASTOR
- have liver problems
- have unexplained abnormal blood tests for liver function
- drink excessive amounts of alcohol
- are a woman able to have children, and are not using reliable contraception
- are pregnant or breast - feeding your baby
- are also taking rifampicin (an antibiotic used for certain types of bacterial infections and tuberculosis) or ditiazem (used to treat high blood pressure and to control chest pain). See also Taking or using other medicines with ASTOR.
Do not drink grapefruit juice if you are taking ASTOR. (See Taking ASTOR with food and drink below).
HOW TO TAKE ASTOR:
You must follow a cholesterol - lowering diet before, and during, treatment with ASTOR. Always take ASTOR exactly as your doctor has instructed you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure. If you have the impression that ASTOR is too strong or too weak, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not share medicines prescribed for you with any other person.
You can take ASTOR tablets with or without food. You should not take ASTOR with grapefruit juice, or other grapefruit products in large amounts.
The usual starting dose is 10 mg ASTOR daily in adults. This may be increased by your doctor until you are taking the amount you need to get the required response.
If you take more ASTOR than you should:
You may experience an increase in side - effects and their frequency. In the event of overdosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If neither is available, contact the nearest hospital or poison control centre. Take this leaflet and any remaining tablets with you, so that the doctor knows what you have taken.
If you forget to take ASTOR:
If you miss a dose of ASTOR, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten individual doses.
POSSIBLE SIDE - EFFECTS:
ASTOR may cause side - effects. If any of the side - effects become serious, or you notice any side - effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. Stop taking ASTOR and tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side - effects:
- your muscles become weak, painful and tender, especially if you also feel unwell or have a high temperature or if your muscles start cramping. In some cases, this could progress to a serious and potentially life - threatening condition called rhabdomyolysis (a condition of muscle disintegration that can lead to kidney failure)
- loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark - coloured urine, yellow colouring of the skin or the white of the eyes
- allergic reactions (including swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat; difficulty in breathing and swallowing, hives and itching)
- chest pain
If any of the above happens, stop taking ASTOR and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital. These are all very serious side - effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
The following side - effects occur frequently, consult your doctor if the side - effects persist or become bothersome: Trouble in sleeping; dizziness; headache; abnormal skin sensations (as tingling or tickling or itching or burning); a reduced sense of touch or sensation; constipation; diarrhoea; flatulence; heartburn; abdominal or stomach pain and cramps; nausea, indigestion; skin rash; an intense itching sensation; muscle pain; pain in a joint or joints; back pain; fatigue (tiredness); feeling weak, lacking energy or strength.
STORING AND DISPOSING OF ASTOR:
Store in the original packaging (in the carton) at or below 25 °C. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom. Do not use ASTOR after the expiry date printed on the label, container or blister. Return any expired or unused medicine to your pharmacist for safe disposal. Do not dispose of unused medicine in drains or sewerage systems (e.g. toilets).
STORE ALL MEDICINES OUT OF THE REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN.