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INTRODUCTION
ECOSPRIN AV is a combination of Aspirin and Atorvastatin which belongs to the group of medicines called Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors respectively. It is used to treat high lipids levels (dyslipidemia) in the blood that is associated with heart attack, stroke, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis (blockage of blood vessels due to deposition of lipids) or peripheral vascular disease (blockage of blood vessels outside the heart).
Before taking ECOSPRIN AV inform your doctor if you have any kidney or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have diabetes, family history of muscle disorders or if you are scheduled for any upcoming surgery.
ECOSPRIN AV is strictly not recommended for use in patients with severe liver problems or stomach problems (peptic ulcers). It is also not suitable for use in patients who have problems in blood clotting and in patients who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
ECOSPRIN AV may increase your blood sugar levels. Therefore, your doctor will constantly monitor your blood sugar levels while undergoing therapy with ECOSPRIN AV as a precaution. It may also make you bleed more easily even after minor cuts or injuries and so be cautions while you perform even minor activities that involves risk of cuts or injuries (like shaving, playing or handling sharp objects).
The most common side effects of taking ECOSPRIN AV are indigestion, constipation, flatulence, stomach pain, headache, dizziness or nausea. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect worsens.
You must also inform your doctor if you experience stomach pain, dark urine or severe muscle pain or cramps especially if accompanied with fever and malaise after taking ECOSPRIN AV.
USES OF ECOSPRIN AV
- Treats high blood lipid levels (dyslipidemia)
- Prevents heart attack, stroke or blood clots
HOW ECOSPRIN AV WORKS
ECOSPRIN AV contains two medicines namely, aspirin and atorvastatin. Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with antiplatelet effects. It prevents the clumping of platelets (a type of blood cells that causes blood clot) in the blood vessels and improves blood flow in the body. Atorvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. It reduces the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the body. Collectively they act together to reduces clot or plaque formation in the blood vessels and improves blood flow to all parts of body.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Take ECOSPRIN AV as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. It can be taken with or without meals.
Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking ECOSPRIN AV without consulting your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ECOSPRIN AV
COMMON
- indigestion, stomach pain
- constipation, flatulence
- headache
- nausea, vomiting
- muscle pain or spasms, joint pain or swelling, back pain
- increased liver or kidney enzymes in the blood
- increased blood sugar levels
UNCOMMON
- weight gain, lack of appetite
- nightmare, difficulty in sleeping
- dizziness, vision problems, ringing in the ears
- sensation of numbness
- changes in taste
- hair loss
- feeling weak or tired
- edema (swelling up of body parts)
RARE
Stop taking ECOSPRIN AV and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following side effects:
- fever, signs of infection and extreme tiredness
- signs of liver problems (such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or eyes) with or without bleeding which appears under the skin as red pinpoint dots and/or confusion)
- severe allergic skin reactions (such as skin rash, itching, skin redness with blisters or peeling of the skin, swelling in the mouth, which may be associated with high fever and joint pains)
- unusual or prolonged bleeding tendency (such as coughing up blood, blood in urine or black or blood-stained stools, bleeding in the stomach or bowels, unusual bleeding or bruising under the skin, nasal bleeds, bleeding in the eye, bleeding inside the head, bleeding in the lung or joints)
- muscle weakness, tenderness or pain with fever and tiredness (signs of rhabdomyolysis)
- breathing difficulty with cough and tiredness, fever, weight loss
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea and Vomiting:
Take ECOSPRIN AV with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil rich or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if your nausea worsens.
Headache:
Rest and relax. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Apply a pain-relieving balm on the head if required. Do not consume too much of alcohol. Reduce looking into bright light and try to get adequate sleep. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.
Dizziness:
Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Lie down or sit immediately if you feel dizzy. Avoid driving or operating any heavy tools or machines while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume too much of alcohol, as it could aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if you continue to feel dizzy for a prolonged period.
Constipation:
Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and cereals. Drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if this side effect bothers you.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
ECOSPRIN AV is strictly not recommended for use in pregnant women as it may harm the growing baby. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it. Women of childbearing potential must use a suitable contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with ECOSPRIN AV.
BREASTFEEDING
ECOSPRIN AV is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women due to lack of proper safety data. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or handle any heavy tools or machines if you experience dizziness, sleepiness or vision problems after taking ECOSPRIN AV.
ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking ECOSPRIN AV as it may increase the risk of side effects.
KIDNEY
ECOSPRIN AV should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
LIVER
ECOSPRIN AV is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver diseases. It should be used with caution in patients with other liver problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
ALLERGY
Do not take ECOSPRIN AV if you are allergic to Aspirin or Atorvastatin.
HEART DISEASE
ECOSPRIN AV should be used with caution in patients with heart problems (such as high blood pressure or coronary heart disease). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
OTHERS
ECOSPRIN AV is not recommended for use if you:
- have hypoprothrombinemia (deficiency of a blood protein called prothrombin)
- have hemophilia (bleeding disorder)
- have or ever had a history of severe stomach ulcers
Before taking ECOSPRIN AV inform your doctor if you:
- have hemorrhagic stroke (stroke due to sudden bleeding in the brain)
- have hypothyroidism (thyroid deficiency)
- have a history of hereditary muscular disorders
- previously had any muscle problems after taking statins (such as rosuvastatin)
- are dehydrated or have low blood volume
- have diabetes
Use in pediatrics:
ECOSPRIN AV is generally not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 16 years) unless prescribed by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
Use in geriatrics:
ECOSPRIN AV should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 70 years or older). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it. Proper dose adjustments and careful monitoring are required in such patients.
INTERACTIONS
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking ECOSPRIN AV, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:
- cyclosporin (a medicine used to suppress immune system and to prevent graft rejection
- medicines used to treat bacterial infections (such as telithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin)
- medicines used to treat fungal infections (such as ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole)
- medicines used to treat HIV infections (such as ritonavir, lopinavir, atazanavir, indinavir, darunavir, delavirdine, boceprevir and telaprevir)
- medicines used to treat epilepsy (such as phenytoin and sodium valproate)
- other medicines used to treat elevated blood cholesterol levels (Ex. gemfibrozil, ezetimibe, niacin)
- digoxin (a medicine used to treat abnormal heart rhythm)
- heparin, warfarin (medicines used for blood thinning)
- oral contraceptives (birth control pills) Ex. drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally took more ECOSPRIN AV contact your doctor or visit the nearby hospital straight away. Symptoms of overdosage might include vomiting, dehydration, sensation of spinning, problems in hearing, excessive sweating, warm extremities with bounding pulses and rapid breathing.
SYNOPSIS
| Drug | : | Aspirin, Atorvastatin |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Dyslipidemia, Blood clots |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Capsule |
MORE INFORMATION
- Keep ECOSPRIN AV out of reach of children
- Store ECOSPRIN AV in a room temperature
FAQs ABOUT ECOSPRIN AV
What is ECOSPRIN AV used for?
ECOSPRIN AV is a lipid lowering medicine. It contains aspirin and atorvastatin as the key ingredients. It is used to treat elevated blood cholesterol levels in the body. It can also be used to prevent other conditions associated with high cholesterol levels such as blood clots, atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke or peripheral vascular disease.
What is the difference between Ecosprin and ECOSPRIN AV?
ECOSPRIN AV is a lipid lowering medicine. It contains aspirin and atorvastatin as the key ingredients. Whereas Ecosprin is a blood thinner which contains only aspirin as the key ingredient.
What are the side effects of ECOSPRIN AV?
The common side effects of taking ECOSPRIN AV are indigestion, constipation, flatulence, stomach pain, headache, dizziness or nausea. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect worsens. You must also inform your doctor if you experience stomach pain, dark urine or severe muscle pain or cramps especially if accompanied by fever and malaise after taking ECOSPRIN AV.
Can I stop taking ECOSPRIN AV once my symptoms subside?
No. Do not stop taking ECOSPRIN AV without consulting your doctor. As high blood cholesterol levels and blood clot problems are chronic conditions, long term treatment is necessary to control its symptoms. Therefore, take ECOSPRIN AV as advised by your doctor for the stipulated duration. Premature discontinuation of therapy may cause the symptoms to reappear.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose of ECOSPRIN AV?
If you forget to take a dose of ECOSPRIN AV, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time to take the next dose, skip the missed dose of ECOSPRIN AV and take the next one at the regular time. Do not take a double dose of ECOSPRIN AV to compensate the missed dose.
Is ECOSPRIN AV a blood thinner?
Yes. ECOSPRIN AV is a lipid lowering medicine with blood thinning properties. It contains two medicines such as aspirin and atorvastatin. Aspirin prevents the clumping of platelets in the blood vessels and atorvastatin reduces the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the body. Collectively they cause blood thinning and reduces the chances of blood clots in the body.
What precautions do I need to follow while taking ECOSPRIN AV?
Before taking ECOSPRIN AV inform your doctor if you have any kidney or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have serious liver problems, stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, diabetes, family history of muscle disorders or if you are scheduled for any upcoming surgery. Consult your doctor before taking ECOSPRIN AV if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Regularly visit your doctor for checkups and perform all the necessary lab tests recommended for you. ECOSPRIN AV may make you bleed more easily even after minor cuts or injuries and so avoid engaging yourself in activities that can injure you easily. Inform your doctor if you experience any unpleasant symptoms (such as stomach pain, dark urine or severe muscle pain or cramps with fever and malaise) after taking ECOSPRIN AV.
Can the use of ECOSPRIN AV affect the liver?
Yes. ECOSPRIN AV may affect the way your liver work. It can elevate the levels of certain liver enzymes in your body. Therefore, it is strictly not recommended for use in patients with severe liver diseases. It should be used with caution in patients with other minor liver problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
Should I stop using ECOSPRIN AV before any surgery?
Yes. ECOSPRIN AV is a blood thinner which may make you bleed more easily even after minor cuts or injuries. As surgeries are always associated with increased bleeding tendency, simultaneous use of ECOSPRIN AV is not recommended as it may make you bleed more.
Which medicines should I avoid while taking ECOSPRIN AV?
While undergoing therapy with ECOSPRIN AV, avoid concomitant use of antibiotics (erythromycin), antifungals (ketoconazole) and antiviral medicines (ritonavir) without consulting your doctor. Also, before taking other blood thinning medications (such as warfarin and heparin), you must consult your doctor as a precaution.
REFERENCES
1. KD. Tripathi. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Antipyretic-Analgesics. Hypolipidaemic Drugs and Plasma Expanders. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. 7th Edition. Page – 195-196 & 636-638.
2. Dhruv Mahtta, David J. Ramsey and Mahmoud Al Rifai. Evaluation of Aspirin and Statin Therapy Use and Adherence in Patients with Premature Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease. JAMA network. August 2020. [Accessed on 12th November 2022] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2769571
3. Charles H Hennekens, Danielle Hollar and Arthur S Agatston. Aspirin and Statins to Decrease Risks of Cardiovascular Disease – The Need for Wider Utilization. [Accessed on 12th November 2022] https://www.uscjournal.com/articles/aspirin-and-statins-decrease-risks-cardiovascular-disease-need-wider-utilization-0
4. Torrent Pharmaceuticals LTD. May 2015. [Accessed on 12th November 2022] https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Upload/PI_Sheet/2444.pdf
5. Accord. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 2021] [Accessed on 12th November 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2408.pdf
6. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Europe B.V. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in April 2022] [Accessed on 12th November 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4343.pdf
7. Aspirin Tablet 150mg. Taj Life science Pvt Ltd. [Accessed on 12th November 2022] https://tajlifesciences.com/portfolio/aspirin-tablets-150mg-enteric-coated/
8. Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. Atorvastatin 10mg+Aspirin 75/150mg Capsules. January 20008. [Accessed on 12th November 2022] https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/Drugs
AUTHOR DETAILS
Written By Srilekha. R, B.Pharm
Last updated on 15 Nov 2022 | 01:44 PM(IST)