Many middle-aged and elderly people will have the problem of hyperlipidemia. In fact, this is mainly caused by the elevated levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, and other complications may also occur.
Most patients with hyperlipidemia usually take corresponding drugs to stabilize their condition, especially atorvastatin, which has an obvious lipid-lowering effect.
However, if the drug is taken for a long time, it may cause some side effects to the body, but atorvastatin is also beneficial to patients with hyperlipidemia, and the side effects far outweigh it.
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What changes will long-term use of atorvastatin bring to the body? The doctor told the truth
3 benefits of atorvastatin
Prevention of coronary heart disease
Atorvastatin is mainly suitable for coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes , etc. It can also reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke Risks occur.
Prevent hyperlipidemia
Atorvastatin can regulate blood lipids, and can also reduce the content of triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and can increase high-density lipoprotein, Therefore, people with high blood lipids can take it for a long time.
Preventing atherosclerosis
In recent years, the incidence of atherosclerosis has become higher and higher. If you insist on taking atorvastatin, it can inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol, thereby reducing the content of low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol. , can prevent atherosclerosis.
3 disadvantages of atorvastatin
Impairment of liver function
Long-term use of atorvastatin can cause abnormal liver function, so patients should check their liver function in time after taking the drug for 4 to 8 weeks.
If the transaminase index is found to be elevated and exceeds the standard by more than three times, the medication should be appropriately reduced or discontinued according to the doctor's advice.
Damage to muscles
Long-term use of atorvastatin can also cause damage to muscles, especially if it is taken at the same time as fibrates, it will cause more obvious muscle pain. If this happens, you can stop taking the medicine in time and seek medical help.
Abnormal immune system reactions occur
Some patients may also experience abnormal immune system reactions due to long-term use of atorvastatin, such as indigestion symptoms. Common ones include nausea, vomiting, endocrine disorders, diarrhea, abdominal pain, burning sensation, etc. .
For some older patients, amnesia and insomnia at night may occur. In addition, this drug will also have a certain stimulating effect on the gastric mucosa, so you can choose to take it after meals.
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Precautions when taking atorvastatin
Can’t eat grapefruit
For patients with hyperlipidemia, try not to eat grapefruit while taking atorvastatin, otherwise it will increase the toxin effect, because the furanocoumarins in it will increase the blood concentration of the drug and easily increase the risk of side effects. .
Monitor liver function
If the patient takes atorvastatin for a long time, blood aminotransferase and blood creatinine are likely to increase. Therefore, you should also pay attention to testing liver function while taking the medicine. If the indicators are found to be elevated, you should report them in time. Adjust medications.
Pay attention to the impact on blood sugar
If you take atorvastatin for a long time, it will also cause abnormal blood sugar metabolism, so you should also pay attention to checking your blood sugar levels. If you find large fluctuations in blood sugar, you can ask your doctor in time.
Avoid taking large doses
Generally speaking, when you first start taking atorvastatin, it is generally recommended to take 10 mg per day, and then gradually increase the dosage. However, as the dosage increases, adverse reactions will increase significantly.
Especially Chinese people are more sensitive to high-dose statin drugs and have poor tolerance. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to use a dose of 80 mg in combination with other lipid-lowering drugs.
