Uses of Atorvastatin+Clopidogrel

The combination of Atorvastatin and Clopidogrel is used to reduce elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients when a low-fat diet and lifestyle changes alone have failed. It can also be used to reduce the risk of heart problems such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), angina (chest pain), heart failure including stroke (reduced blood supply to the brain leading to brain death) or revascularization procedures in adult patients with or without a clinically evident chronic heart disease.

Therapeutic Category

Atorvastatin: Lipid-lowering agents (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors)

Clopidogrel: Antiplatelet agents (Thienopyridines)   

How Atorvastatin+Clopidogrel works

Atorvastatin + Clopidogrel reduces elevated cholesterol and risk of heart disease, where atorvastatin acts by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is required to catalyze the formation of cholesterol and clopidogrel acts by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which is believed to be an important factor resulting in heart problems (such as heart attack, cardiac failure or angina). 

Common side effects of Atorvastatin+Clopidogrel

• diarrhoea
• stomach pain
• indigestion or heartburn
• inflammation of nasal passages, pain in the throat, nosebleed
• allergic reactions
• headache
• nausea, constipation, flatulence, indigestion
• joint pain, muscle and back pain

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience severe allergic reactions (such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat which can lead to difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• If you experience rhabdomyolysis (abnormal muscle breakdown causing muscle weakness, pain, tenderness, red-brown discolouration of urine, weakness and raised body temperature)
• If you experience lupus-like disease syndrome (such as joint disorders, rash and altered count of blood cells)
• If you experience unexpected or unusual bleeding or bruising, hematoma
• If you experience severe skin reactions (such as peeling and swelling of the skin, blistering of skin around mouth, eyes, genitals and fever. Skin rash with red raised lumps on palms of hands or soles of the feet)
• If you experience signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin and/or the eyes (jaundice), whether associated with bleeding which appears under the skin as red pinpoint dots
• If you experience signs of infection or extreme tiredness (due to decrease of some blood cells)

Health Tips for Atorvastatin+Clopidogrel

• Adopt a diet low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium to promote heart health. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like nuts and olive oil. Reduce your intake of processed and high-sugar foods, as well as salty foods
• Get involved in frequent physical activity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, or as directed by your doctor. Consult your healthcare physician before beginning or drastically altering your exercise programme, especially if you have underlying cardiovascular issues
• Losing weight can improve your cardiovascular health if you are overweight. Aim for steady, long-term weight loss by combining food and exercise
• If you smoke, quitting is essential for cardiovascular health. Smoking increases the risk of blood clots, atherosclerosis and other heart-related issues, also avoid drinking alcohol to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease
• If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to keep it under control. Changes in lifestyle, such as nutrition, exercise, and medication, may be required
• Take Atorvastatin + Clopidogrel exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow the specified dosage and regimen. Do not change the dosage or discontinue the medicine without first consulting your doctor