Atchol 40 Tablet

Atchol 40 Tablet is a prescription tablet that contains atorvastatin 40 mg in each tablet. It belongs to the statin class of medicines, which are used to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides and to help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people at risk. Atchol 40 Tablet is used along with diet, exercise, and other heart-healthy measures when a stronger cholesterol-lowering effect is needed. This specific 40 mg strength is not a starter dose for many patients and should be used only when a clinician has decided it is appropriate.

How it works: Atorvastatin in Atchol 40 Tablet works by blocking an enzyme your liver uses to make cholesterol. This helps the liver remove more LDL cholesterol from the blood, which can lower cholesterol levels over time and help protect the heart and blood vessels.

Atchol 40 Tablet is a higher-strength atorvastatin tablet compared with Atchol 10 Tablet and Atchol 20 Tablet. Doctors may choose Atchol 40 Tablet for patients who need more LDL-cholesterol reduction or who have not reached their treatment goal on a lower strength, but it is still the same medicine in a stronger dose. Because it is stronger, the chance of dose-related side effects such as muscle symptoms or liver enzyme changes may be higher than with the lower strengths.

• Lower high LDL cholesterol
• Lower triglycerides
• Raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol modestly
• Help prevent heart attack and stroke in at-risk adults
• Reduce cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes or other risk factors

• Swallow Atchol 40 Tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Take it once daily at the time your doctor prescribes, with or without food.
• Do not crush, split, or chew unless your prescriber or pharmacist says it is okay.
• Try to take it at the same time every day for steady use.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to the next dose; do not double up.
• Follow the low-cholesterol diet and lifestyle plan your doctor recommends while taking this tablet.

Each Atchol 40 Tablet provides atorvastatin 40 mg per tablet. It is usually taken once daily, and the maximum daily dose is generally 80 mg per day, but your doctor decides the exact dose based on your cholesterol results, cardiovascular risk, and response to treatment. Because Atchol 40 Tablet is already a higher strength, it is used when a lower strength like Atchol 10 Tablet or Atchol 20 Tablet is not enough or when a prescriber specifically wants a 40 mg dose.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Atorvastatin may include:

• Muscle aches or soreness, which may be more noticeable with the 40 mg strength
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Joint pain
• Headache
• Mild stomach upset

• Do not use Atchol 40 Tablet if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, as statins can harm an unborn baby.
• Avoid taking it if you have active liver disease unless your clinician specifically tells you otherwise.
• Tell your doctor about any history of muscle disorders, because this higher strength can raise muscle-risk concerns.
• Limit alcohol use, since heavy drinking can increase the risk of liver problems.
• Tell your prescriber about all cholesterol medicines and antibiotics you take, because interactions can raise atorvastatin levels.
• Report new unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness promptly, especially if you also feel unwell or have fever.
• Use caution if you have diabetes or prediabetes, since statins can slightly affect blood sugar in some people.

• Grapefruit juice, especially large amounts, can increase atorvastatin levels.
• Certain antibiotics and antifungals, such as clarithromycin or itraconazole, can interact with atorvastatin.
• HIV or hepatitis C medicines may raise atorvastatin exposure.
• Cyclosporine and some other immunosuppressants can greatly increase the risk of side effects.
• Other cholesterol drugs, such as fibrates or high-dose niacin, can increase muscle-related side effects.

Store Atchol 40 Tablet at room temperature in its original strip or box, away from excess heat, moisture, and light.