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Introduction About XTOR
XTOR is used to reduce elevated high blood cholesterol levels (hyperlipidaemia) in patients when diet and lifestyle changes does not result in adequate response. It contains Atorvastatin which belongs to the group of medicines called Lipid-lowering drugs. By reducing blood cholesterol levels, XTOR can also manage the risk of heart attack, stroke, angina or related health problems. XTOR can be used both in adults and in children (aged 10 years or above). It effectively reduces the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the body by blocking the action of an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase that synthesizes cholesterol within the body.
Along with the management, follow a cholesterol-lowering diet, lifestyle changes and regular physical activity as instructed by your doctor to achieve better results. Avoid consuming alcohol or grapefruit juice while taking XTOR as it may make XTOR less effective. Before taking XTOR inform your doctor if you have any lung, liver, kidney, or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have diabetes, thyroid problems, or a family history of muscle disorders. Talk to your doctor before taking XTOR if you are already taking any antibiotics (fusidic acid) to manage any existing infections. Do not take XTOR if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor.
XTOR may increase blood sugar levels, especially in patients who are diabetic. It may also affect the way your liver works, and so your doctor will closely monitor your blood sugar levels and liver functions while undergoing therapy with XTOR as a precaution. The most common side effects of taking XTOR are inflammation of nasal passage, throat pain, muscle ache, joint pain, back pain, constipation, nausea and headache. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect worsens. Also, inform your doctor if you experience severe unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness along with fever after taking XTOR.
Uses Of XTOR
It is used to manage:
- high blood cholesterol levels
- the risk of heart attack, stroke, angina or related health problems
How XTOR Works
XTOR is a lipid lowering medicine. It effectively reduces the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the body by blocking the action of an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase that synthesizes cholesterol within the body. It also acts on the liver and improve the body’s ability to remove lipid particles from the blood. As a result, it reduces blood cholesterol levels and manage its associated risks.
How to use XTOR
Take XTOR as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and health condition. Do not stop taking XTOR without consulting your doctor.
Side Effects Of XTOR
Common side effects of XTOR:
- inflammation of the nasal passages
- throat pain
- nose bleeds
- allergic reaction
- increase in blood sugar levels or creatine kinase
- headache
- nausea, vomiting
- constipation
- indigestion
- diarrhoea
- joint pain, muscle pain, back pain, neck pain
- liver problems
- anorexia
- weight gain
- dizziness
- nightmares, insomnia
- tingling sensation
- changes in sense of taste
- blurring of vision
- ringing in the ears followed by vomiting
- bloating, abdominal pain
- muscle fatigue, weakness
- swelling especially in the ankles (oedema)
- raised temperature
Stop taking XTOR and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- unexplained muscle pain or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever, weakness, or reddish-brown urine (rhabdomyolysis)
- unexpected bleeding or bruising
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
ContraindicatedXTOR is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Women of childbearing age must use a reliable contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with XTOR.
Breastfeeding
ContraindicatedXTOR is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.
Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionDo not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if you feel dizzy or sleepy after taking XTOR.
Alcohol
Consult your doctorXTOR should be used with caution in patients who consume large amounts of alcohol. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption while taking XTOR to achieve maximum benefits.
Kidney
Use with CautionXTOR should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems.
Liver
Consult your doctorXTOR is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver diseases. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of liver problems.
Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take XTOR if you are allergic to Atorvastatin or any other ingredients of this medicine.
Lungs
Use with CautionXTOR should be used with caution in patients with lung diseases (such as severe respiratory failure).
Heart Disease
Use with CautionXTOR should be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure.
Use In Pediatrics
Monitoring requiredXTOR should be used in children and adolescents (aged 10 years or older) only if prescribed by the physician. Your doctor will decide the correct dose of XTOR depending on your child’s age, body weight and health condition.
Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionXTOR should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 70 years or older).
Others
Before taking XTOR, inform your doctor if you:
- have an unexplained muscle pain
- had any muscle problems in the past
- have improper functioning of thyroid gland
- have personal or family history of muscle problems
- are alcoholic
- have diabetes
- are overweight
- have a previous history of stroke with bleeding the brain
- have small holes or pockets in the brain due to previous stroke
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking XTOR, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:
- Immunosuppressants (Ex. cyclosporine)
- Antibiotics (Ex. fusidic acid, erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin)
- Antifungals (Ex. ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole)
- Anti-TB agents (Ex. rifampicin)
- Anti-lipidemic agents (Ex. gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, colestipol or ezetimibe)
- Cardiac medicines (Ex. amlodipine, diltiazem, digoxin, verapamil, amiodarone)
- Anti-viral agents (Ex. letermovir, ritonavir, lopinavir, atazanavir, indinavir, darunavir, the combination of tipranavir/ritonavir, telaprevir, boceprevir and the combination of elbasvir/grazoprevir, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir)
- Anti-coagulants (Ex. warfarin)
- Oral contraceptives (Ex. levonorgestrel)
- Anticonvulsants (Ex. stiripentol)
- H2 blockers (Ex. cimetidine)
- Antacids (Ex. aluminium hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (Ex. phenazone)
- Anti-gout agents (Ex. colchicine)
- Herbal medicine (Ex. St John’s wort )
B. Drug-Food interactions:
Avoid consumption of grapefruit while taking XTOR as it may reduce its effectiveness.
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally took more XTOR, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Atorvastatin |
| Pharmacological Category | : | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Hyperlipidaemia |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
More Information
FAQs About XTOR
Q: What is XTOR used for?
A: XTOR is a lipid lowering medicine. It is used to control elevated blood cholesterol levels. By reducing blood cholesterol levels, XTOR can also manage the risk of heart attack, stroke, angina or related health problems.
Q: Can the use of XTOR cause diabetes?
A: Yes. XTOR may increase blood sugar levels in some patients. This is most predominantly seen in patients who already have diabetes along with obesity and/or hypertension. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are diabetic, obese or have hypertension. Your doctor will closely monitor your blood sugar levels while undergoing therapy with XTOR to avoid any unwanted side effects.
Q: What is the best time to take XTOR?
A: Take XTOR as advised by your physician. Your doctor will decide the best time for you to take XTOR. Try to take this medicine at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food.
Q: What are the side effects of taking XTOR?
A: The most common side effects of taking XTOR are pain in joints and muscles, gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion or nausea and headache. Contact your doctor if any of side effect worsens. Also, inform your doctor if you experience severe unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness along with fever after taking this medicine.
Q: Can I consume alcohol along with XTOR?
A: XTOR should be used with caution in patients who consume large amounts of alcohol. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medicine to achieve maximum benefits.
Q: Can the use of XTOR make me feel more tired?
A: Yes. The use of XTOR can make you feel more tired, because it acts by reducing the supply of energy to the muscles present in your body. However, you may also feel tired due to other reasons such as severe liver damage. Consult your doctor if you experience excessive tiredness with muscle pain.
Q: Who should not take XTOR?
A: XTOR is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver damage. It is also not suitable for use in patients having muscle problems. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult your doctor before taking XTOR. Before taking XTOR inform your doctor if you have diabetes or any kidney or heart problems. Do not take this medicine if you are undergoing therapy with antibiotics such as fusidic acid.
Q: What are the dietary restrictions that I need to follow while taking XTOR?
A: While taking XTOR, follow a low-cholesterol diet as instructed by your doctor and avoid excessive alcohol intake. Avoid eating oil rich or deep-fried foods. Limit your sugar intake by avoid eating biscuits, cakes, soft drinks, or pastries. Stick to a simple nutritious diet. Avoid consumption of grapefruit while taking XTOR as it may reduce its effectiveness.
Q: Can I stop taking XTOR once my blood cholesterol level is controlled?
A: Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, as it could once again increase your blood cholesterol levels. XTOR can only control your blood cholesterol levels and cannot cure them completely, therefore, it is important to take this medicine until your doctor advises you to stop.
Q: Can I take XTOR if I am diabetic?
A: XTOR may increase blood sugar levels in some patients. This is most predominantly seen in patients who already have diabetes along with obesity and/or hypertension. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking XTOR if you are diabetic, obese or have hypertension.
Q: Does XTOR cause muscle pain?
A: XTOR may cause a rare but serious side effect of unexplained muscle pain or weakness called rhabdomyolysis. It might be an early sign of a potentially serious muscle degradation. Therefore, consult your doctor if you experience any signs of muscle problems after taking XTOR. Also, talk to your doctor before taking XTOR if you already have weak muscles or have a family history of any muscle disorders.
Q: How long should I take XTOR to manage high cholesterol?
A: You should take XTOR as long as your doctor advises you to take. Because XTOR will only help you in managing your cholesterol levels and cannot completely cure them. If you stop using XTOR, your cholesterol levels may raise once again.
Q: Can XTOR be taken by pregnant or breast-feeding women?
A: XTOR is not recommended for use in pregnant or breast-feeding women. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it. Women of childbearing age must use a reliable contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with this medicine. However, if you accidentally become pregnant while taking this medicine, stop taking it and consult your doctor immediately.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Insulin, Hypolipidemic Drugs and Plasma Expanders. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page-637.
2. Lindsey A. McIver, Momin S. Siddique. Statpearls. Mechanism of Action of Atorvastatin. National Institute of Health, National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubmed.gov. September 2021. [Accessed on 9th April 2022] click here
3. James W. Nawrocki, Stuart R. Weiss, Michael H. Davidson, Dennis L. Sprecher, Sherwyn L. Schwartz, Paul-J. Lupien, Peter H. Jones, Harry E. Haber and Donald M. Black. Reduction of LDL Cholesterol by 25% to 60% in Patients with Primary Hypercholesterolemia by Atorvastatin, a New HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor. Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. AHA Journals. May 1995. [Accessed on 29th September 2022] click here
4. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in December 2021] [Accessed on 9th April 2022] click here
5. Zentiva Pharma UK Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in February 2021] [Accessed on 9th April 2022] click here
6. Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in June 2009] [Accessed on 9th April 2022] click here
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