SORTIS

This medicine contains the active ingredient atorvastatin which belongs to a group of medicines known as statins. These medicines control the amount of lipid (fat) in the body. One type of lipid is called cholesterol which, if there is a high amount of it in the body, can cause serious diseases of heart and blood vessel. Atorvastatin lowers the amount of cholesterol. It can also reduce the risk of a heart disease, stroke and heart attack if there is a possibility for it.

Is Atorvastatin suitable for me?

Atorvastatin is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are hypersensitive (allergic) to atorvastatin or to any of the other ingredients of the medicine
• if you have or have ever had liver disease
• if you have had any unexplained abnormal blood tests for liver function
• if you are a woman able to have children and not using reliable contraception
• if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• if you are breast-feeding

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• have a problem with unexplained muscle aches or pains
• regularly drink large amounts of alcohol
• have an underactive thyroid
• have previously had a stroke
• have kidney problems
• have an under-active thyroid gland
• are over 70 years old
• have severe respiratory failure

Atorvastatin interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Atorvastatin?

This medicine is available in form of a film-coated tablet.

You should take atorvastatin exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. You will be prescribed your dose according to your needs.

• The usual starting dose of atorvastatin is 10 mg once a day in adults and children aged 10 years or older. This may be increased if necessary. The maximum dose of atorvastatin is 80 mg once a day for adults and 20 mg once a day for children.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Atorvastatin side effects?

Like all medicines Atorvastatin can cause side effects, including:

Common side effects:

• inflammation of the nasal passages, pain in the throat, nose bleed
• allergic reactions
• increases in blood sugar
• increase in blood creatine kinase
• headache
• nausea, constipation, wind, indigestion, diarrhea
• joint pain, muscle pain and back pain
• abnormal liver function

Uncommon side effects:

• anorexia, weight gain
• decreases in blood sugar levels
• nightmares, insomnia
• dizziness, numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes
• reductions of sensation to pain or touch
• change in sense of taste
• loss of memory
• blurred vision
• ringing in the ears and/or head
• vomiting, belching, abdominal pain upper and lower, pancreatitis
• hepatitis (liver inflammation)
• rash, skin rash and itching, hives, hair loss
• neck pain, muscle fatigue
• fatigue, feeling unwell, weakness, chest pain, swelling especially in the ankles (edema),
• raised temperature
• urine tests that are positive for white blood cells

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.