Atorec Ez 10 Tab

ATOREC EZ 10 TAB

ATOREC EZ 10 TAB is a medication manufactured by Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd..

• Name:

  • Brand Name: Atorec EZ 10 TAB
  • Common Name: Atorvastatin and Ezetimibe tablets

• Composition: Each tablet contains Atorvastatin 10 mg and Ezetimibe 10 mg.

• Uses: Atorec EZ 10 TAB is primarily used to treat high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia or dyslipidemia). It is a combination of two lipid-lowering agents that work to decrease "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, while increasing "good" cholesterol (HDL). By reducing cholesterol, it helps minimize the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes or coronary heart disease.

• Dosage and Administration: Atorec EZ Tablet should be taken orally, with or without food, as advised by your doctor. It is important to take it regularly at evenly spaced intervals, ideally at the same time each day, and to complete the prescribed course of treatment even if you feel better. A usual starting dose for adults with hypercholesterolemia is one tablet once daily. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, stomach pain, constipation, muscle pain (myalgia), headache, fatigue, diarrhea, joint pain, increased Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) levels, increased transaminase level in blood, upper respiratory tract infection, dizziness, and increased glucose levels in the blood.
  • Serious Side Effects: Severe muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) which can lead to kidney failure, liver damage/hepatitis (jaundice, severe fatigue, dark urine), and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).

• Precautions:

  • Avoid if allergic to any components.
  • Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Caution is advised in patients with liver, kidney, or lung problems, hypothyroidism, or muscle disorders (fibromyalgia).
  • Not safe for children as safety and efficacy have not been established.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol frequently or in large quantities as it may increase the risk of liver problems.
  • Grapefruit products should be avoided due to potential interactions with atorvastatin.
  • Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including immunosuppressants, fibrates, anti-HIV medicines, antibiotics, antifungals, anticoagulants, antacids, and antihypertensive medicines, as interactions may occur.
  • Regular monitoring of blood sugar and liver function may be required.
  • May cause forgetfulness, memory loss, and confusion (cognitive impairment).

• Storage: Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight, typically below 30°C (10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC). Keep out of sight and reach of children.

ATOREC EZ 10 TAB is a medication that combines two active ingredients, Atorvastatin (10 mg) and Ezetimibe (10 mg), to manage high cholesterol levels. It is manufactured by EMCURE PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.

What is ATOREC EZ 10 TAB used for?

ATOREC EZ 10 TAB is primarily used to treat high cholesterol levels in the blood, a condition known as hypercholesterolemia. It helps lower elevated levels of total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B, while increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol. This medication is also prescribed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke in individuals with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors. It can also be used for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH).

How does it work?

ATOREC EZ 10 TAB works through a dual mechanism due to its two active ingredients: Atorvastatin and Ezetimibe. Atorvastatin belongs to a class of medicines called statins. It works by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase, which is crucial for the production of cholesterol in the body. By blocking this enzyme, atorvastatin reduces the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. Ezetimibe, on the other hand, is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor. It acts in the small intestine to prevent the absorption of cholesterol from food, thereby decreasing the amount of intestinal cholesterol delivered to the liver. The combination of these two actions leads to a more significant reduction in cholesterol levels in the body.

What is the usual dosage?

For adults, the usual initial dose for high cholesterol and triglycerides is one tablet per day. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed, but it typically does not exceed 10 mg of ezetimibe and 80 mg of atorvastatin. For homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), one tablet per day, usually containing 10 mg of ezetimibe and either 40 mg or 80 mg of atorvastatin, is prescribed. The exact dose and duration of treatment are determined by your doctor based on your medical condition and response to the medicine. The tablet should be swallowed whole and can be taken with or without food.

What are the possible side effects?

Common side effects of ATOREC EZ 10 TAB can include mild muscle pain, stomach pain, diarrhea, joint pain, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infection.

More serious, but rare, side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or unusual tiredness. This could indicate a serious muscle problem like rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to kidney damage.
• Symptoms of liver problems such as pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
• Allergic reactions like hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

ATOREC EZ 10 TAB is generally not recommended during pregnancy because it can harm an unborn baby. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not use this drug, and an effective form of birth control should be used during treatment. If pregnancy occurs, the medicine should be discontinued immediately, and a doctor should be consulted.

During breastfeeding, the use of ATOREC EZ 10 TAB is usually avoided. Both atorvastatin and ezetimibe can enter breast milk and have the potential for adverse effects in nursing infants. It is advised to discuss alternative treatments with your doctor or consider stopping breastfeeding while using this medicine.

Can it be taken with other medications?

ATOREC EZ 10 TAB can interact with various other medications, increasing the risk of side effects. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines, as well as herbal or vitamin supplements you are taking.

Some significant interactions include:

• Other cholesterol-lowering medicines: If taking certain bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol), ATOREC EZ 10 TAB should be taken 2 hours before or 4 hours after these medications.
• Cyclosporine, certain antivirals (e.g., tipranavir plus ritonavir, telaprevir): Concomitant use should generally be avoided or requires careful monitoring and dose adjustments.
• Certain antibiotics and antifungals (e.g., clarithromycin, itraconazole, erythromycin): These can increase the levels of atorvastatin, potentially leading to a higher risk of muscle problems.
• Gemfibrozil and fenofibrate: Co-administration with gemfibrozil should be avoided, and caution is advised with fenofibrate due to an increased risk of muscle issues.

What precautions should be taken?

Several precautions should be taken while using ATOREC EZ 10 TAB:

• Liver function: Regular blood tests are needed to check your liver function, as the medicine can cause serious liver problems. It should not be used if you have active liver disease or unexplained elevated liver enzyme levels.
• Muscle pain: Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor immediately, especially if accompanied by fever, as this could be a sign of a serious muscle condition.
• Alcohol consumption: Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol as it can increase the risk of liver problems.
• Grapefruit products: Limit consumption of grapefruit juice as it can interact with atorvastatin and increase the risk of side effects.
• Medical conditions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, an underactive thyroid gland, or a history of stroke.
• Major surgery or injury: You may need to stop taking this medicine if you have major surgery, a major injury, or develop other serious health problems.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of ATOREC EZ 10 TAB, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should it be stored?

ATOREC EZ 10 TAB should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine in its original foil pouch or plastic case. After opening a foil pouch, store it in a dry place protected from light and discard any unused tablets within 30 days. Keep it out of the reach of children.