Storvas 40 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

STORVAS 40 MG TABLET

Name:

• Brand Name: Storvas 40 Tablet
• Common Name: Atorvastatin 40mg Tablet

Composition: Each tablet contains Atorvastatin 40 mg. Atorvastatin belongs to a class of medications known as statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors).

Uses: Storvas 40 mg Tablet is primarily used to manage high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is prescribed when diet and lifestyle changes alone have failed to lower cholesterol.

• High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia/Dyslipidemia): Reduces elevated total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol.
• Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: Helps prevent heart attacks and strokes, especially in individuals at increased risk or with existing conditions like atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup).
• Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Used in both heterozygous and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in adults and pediatric patients (10 to 17 years of age) with specific LDL-C levels and risk factors.

Dosage and Administration: Storvas 40 mg Tablet is typically taken once daily, with or without food, as advised by a doctor. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed, broken, or chewed. It is recommended to take it at the same time each day for consistent effectiveness. Regular monitoring of lipid profiles and liver function is important during treatment.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

• Headache, dizziness
• Nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence
• Muscle pain (myalgia), muscle weakness, joint pain, back pain
• Inflammation of nasal passages, throat pain, runny nose, sneezing
• Fatigue (asthenia)
• Urinary tract infection, abnormal liver function tests

Serious side effects, though rare, can include muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) and liver problems. Contact a doctor if side effects persist or worsen.

Precautions:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Storvas 40 mg Tablet is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential harm to the baby.
• Liver and Kidney Disease: Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney problems. Regular liver enzyme tests are recommended.
• Alcohol and Grapefruit Juice: Avoid consuming alcohol and large quantities of grapefruit juice as they can interfere with the medication's effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects like liver problems.
• Diabetes: Diabetics should monitor blood sugar levels regularly as this medicine may cause an increase.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as interactions can occur with medications such as cyclosporine, anti-HIV medicines, certain antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin), antifungals (e.g., itraconazole), and other lipid-lowering agents.

Storage: Store Storvas 40 mg Tablet in a cool and dry place, at a temperature below 30°C. Keep it away from direct sunlight and out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

STORVAS 40 MG TABLET (10 TAB) by SUN PHARMACEUTICAL IND.LTD. - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Storvas 40 MG Tablet used for?

Storvas 40 MG Tablet is primarily used to lower high levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats) in the blood. It is prescribed for individuals whose cholesterol levels have not been sufficiently reduced by diet and lifestyle changes alone. By managing these lipid levels, it helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

How does Storvas 40 MG Tablet work?

Storvas 40 MG Tablet contains atorvastatin, which belongs to a class of medicines called statins. It works by selectively inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase in the liver. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the body's production of cholesterol. By blocking this enzyme, Storvas 40 MG Tablet effectively reduces the synthesis of cholesterol, thereby lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and may also slightly increase "good" cholesterol (HDL).

What is the usual dosage for Storvas 40 MG Tablet?

For adults, the usual dosage of atorvastatin, the active ingredient in Storvas 40 MG Tablet, typically ranges from 10 mg to 80 mg once daily. For Storvas 40 mg, it is usually taken as one tablet once daily. It can be taken with or without food. The precise dose and duration of treatment will be determined by your doctor based on your cholesterol levels and individual medical condition.

What are the possible side effects of Storvas 40 MG Tablet?

Common side effects of Storvas 40 MG Tablet can include headache, muscle pain (myalgia), joint pain, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue. More serious, though less common, side effects can involve muscle weakness or injury, and liver problems. It may also cause a slight increase in blood sugar levels. You should consult your doctor if you experience persistent or severe muscle pain, weakness, or signs of liver issues such as unusual dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or stomach pains.

Is Storvas 40 MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: Storvas 40 MG Tablet is generally considered unsafe and is not recommended during pregnancy, as it may cause harm to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception while taking this medication. If you become pregnant while taking Storvas 40 MG Tablet, stop taking it and consult your doctor immediately.

Breastfeeding: It is generally advised to avoid Storvas 40 MG Tablet while breastfeeding. Although some studies suggest that very small amounts may pass into breast milk, and some experts indicate a low risk to the infant, the consensus often recommends caution due to potential effects on infant lipid metabolism. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you make an informed decision based on your specific situation.

Can Storvas 40 MG Tablet be taken with other medications?

Storvas 40 MG Tablet (atorvastatin) can interact with several other medications, potentially leading to increased side effects or reduced effectiveness. Significant interactions can occur with certain HIV and HCV protease inhibitors, some antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, fusidic acid), antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), and other lipid-lowering drugs (e.g., gemfibrozil, niacin). It can also affect the levels of digoxin and oral contraceptives. Always inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and vitamin supplements you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while taking Storvas 40 MG Tablet?

It is important to avoid consuming alcohol and grapefruit juice while on Storvas 40 MG Tablet, as they can interfere with the medication's effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects, particularly liver problems. Inform your doctor if you have pre-existing liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or a history of muscle disorders. Your doctor may recommend regular monitoring of your liver function and blood sugar levels during treatment. Storvas 40 MG Tablet should be taken as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes a healthy, low-fat diet, regular exercise, and weight management.

What happens if a dose of Storvas 40 MG Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of Storvas 40 MG Tablet, 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 compensate for a missed one.

How should Storvas 40 MG Tablet be stored?

Storvas 40 MG Tablet should be stored in a cool, dry place, typically at a temperature below 30°C. Keep the medicine away from direct sunlight and moisture. Always ensure it is kept out of the reach and sight of children and pets.