Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Atorvastatin is an oral drug that lowers the
level of cholesterol in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs referred to as
statins, which includes lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin, (Zocor), fluvastatin
(Lescol), and pravastatin (Pravachol). All statins, including atorvastatin,
prevent the production of cholesterol in the liver by blocking HMG-CoA
reductase, an enzyme that makes cholesterol. Statins reduce total cholesterol as
well as LDL cholesterol in blood. LDL cholesterol is believed to be the "bad"
cholesterol that is primarily responsible for the development of coronary artery
disease. Reducing LDL cholesterol levels retards progression and may even
reverse coronary artery disease. Atorvastatin also reduces the concentration of
triglycerides in the blood and raises the concentrations of HDL ("good")
cholesterol. High blood concentrations of triglycerides also have been
associated with coronary artery disease. The FDA approved atorvastatin in
December 1996.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PREPARATIONS: Tablets of 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature, 20°-25°C
(68°-77°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Atorvastatin is used for the treatment of elevated total
cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and to elevate HDL cholesterol. The
effectiveness of atorvastatin in lowering cholesterol is dose-related, meaning
that higher doses reduce cholesterol more.
Atorvastatin reduces the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, angina and
revascularization procedures in adults with multiple risk factors for coronary
artery disease.
Atorvastatin also prevents heart attacks and strokes in patients
with type 2 diabetes with multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease.
DOSING: Atorvastatin is prescribed once daily. The usual starting dose is
10-20 mg per day, and the maximum dose is 80 mg per day. Individuals who need
more than a 45% reduction in LDL cholesterol may be started at 40 mg daily.
Atorvastatin may be taken with or without food and at any time of day.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Decreased elimination of atorvastatin could increase
levels of atorvastatin in the body and increase the risk of
muscle toxicity from
atorvastatin. Therefore, atorvastatin should not be combined with drugs that
decrease its elimination. Examples of such drugs include erythromycin (E-Mycin),
ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), clarithromycin (Biaxin),
telithromycin (Ketek),
cyclosporine (Sandimmune), nefazodone (Serzone), and HIV
protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir).
A stroke results from impaired oxygen delivery to brain cells via the bloodstream. A stroke is also referred to as a CVA, or cerebrovascular incident. Symptoms of stroke include: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance, and/or sudden severe headache with no known cause. A TIA, or transient ischemic attack is a short-lived temporary impairment of the brain caused by loss of blood supply. Stroke is a medical emergency.
Heart attack happens when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary
artery supplying blood to the heart muscle. A heart attack can cause chest pain, heart failure, and electrical
instability of the heart.
Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body, and is a building block for cell membranes and hormones. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol, conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol. High cholesterol treatment includes lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), and medications such as statins, bile acid resins, and fibric acid derivatives.
Cholesterol is the most common type of steroid in the body. The treatment of elevated cholesterol involves not only diet but also weight loss, regular exercise, and medications. By understanding your cholesterol profile you can better manage your cholesterol levels.
Heart attacks are the major causes of unexpected, sudden death among men and women. A heart attack is also a significant cause of heart failure. Learn the risk factors for heart attack such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and other heart conditions. Lowering your risk factor, lifestyle changes, and in some cases medication are the most effective way of preventing a heart attack.
Cholesterol occurs naturally in the body. High blood cholesterol levels increase a person's risk of developing heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, TIAs, and more. In addition to medication (fibrates, statins, bile acid sequestrants, and niacin), lifestyle changes can be made to lower blood cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts
of the body and is made by the liver. Cholesterol also is present in foods we
eat. People need cholesterol for the body to function normally. Cholesterol is
present in the cell walls or membranes everywhere in the body, including the
brain, nerves, muscles, skin, liver, intestines, and heart.
2) Why Should I Be Concerned About Cholesterol?
Too much cholesterol in your body means that you have an
increased risk of getting cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease. If you
have too much cholesterol in your body, the cholesterol can build up on the
walls of the arteries that carry blood to your heart. This buildup, which occurs
over time, causes less blood and oxygen to get to your heart. This can cause
chest pain and
heart attacks.
3) What's the Difference between "Good" and "Bad" Cholesterol?