7 cases in which Atorvastatin should not be taken to lower cholesterol

Atorvastatin is a drug officially approved by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), so its administration is generally safe. However, as with any medication, Atorvastatin also has a series of contraindications in its consumption and can cause some side effects.

Specifically, Atorvastatin is a drug that is part of the medication known as statins, which are those drugs used to reduce levels of lipids (fats) in the body.

Thus, Atorvastatin is mainly indicated to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels when a low-fat diet and lifestyle changes have not had the desired effects.

Normally, the first treatment in case of having high cholesterol and triglycerides consists of following a specific diet low in fat and cholesterol; In addition to following an active lifestyle, increasing the frequency of physical activity according to the conditions of each patient.

When this treatment does not have an effect on its own, it is usual for your doctor to indicate the intake of different medications, such as Atorvastatin.

In addition, Atorvastatin is also indicated to reduce the high risk of heart disease, even if the patient's cholesterol levels are normal. In any case, during treatment, a specific diet must be followed that allows cholesterol to be reduced.

Atorvastatin contraindications

Despite being a safe drug, due to its composition and characteristics, Atorvastatin is not indicated for everyone. That is, there are circumstances and situations in which this medication should not be taken.

In this regard, from the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), they list seven cases in which this medicine should not be administered:

1. In case of being allergic to Atorvastatin or any of the components that are part of this medication.
   • If you have or have previously had any disease that affects the liver.
   • In case of having or having had unjustified abnormal results in liver function blood tests.
   If you are a woman of childbearing age and do not use adequate contraceptive measures.
   • If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
   • In case of being a breastfeeding woman.
   • If you use the combination of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for the treatment of hepatitis C.

These are all the cases in which Atorvastatin should not be taken, as it could cause damage to the body. In addition, there are other types of situations in which it is advisable to consult a medical specialist before starting treatment with this medicine.

Warnings about the consumption of the drug

On the other hand, from the AEMPS they expose a series of situations in which it is advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take Atorvastatin:

• In case of severe respiratory insufficiency.
• If you have kidney problems.
• If you have had a previous stroke with bleeding in the brain.
• In case of having an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).
If you have repeated and unjustified muscle pain.
• If you have previously had muscle problems during treatment with other types of drugs indicated to reduce lipids.
• In case you have more than 70 years.
• If you have a history of liver problems.
• If you regularly drink large amounts of alcohol.

Finally, the health authorities explain that a specialist should be consulted doctor “if you are taking or have taken in the last 7 days a medicine called fusidic acid (a medicine used to treat bacterial infections) by mouth or by injection. The combination of fusidic acid and Atorvastatin can cause serious muscle problems (rhabdomyolysis)”.