Description:

Atorvastatin 20mg (Exeter brand) is a statin medication used to lower elevated levels of total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. It is indicated as an adjunct to diet for primary hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia, heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, and for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in high-risk patients.

Prescription:

• Prescription required; consult a physician before use.

Therapeutic Category:

• Lipid-lowering agent / HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin class for hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular risk reduction).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Atorvastatin calcium equivalent to Atorvastatin 20 mg per film-coated tablet.

Variant:

• Standard 20 mg strength; Exeter brand (common in Ghanaian pharmacies alongside other strengths like 10 mg or 40 mg from various manufacturers).

Consume Type:

• Oral (film-coated tablet).

Directions/Usage:

• Take 1 tablet (20 mg) once daily, at any time of day, with or without food. Swallow whole with water. Dose may be adjusted (up to 80 mg daily) based on lipid response and tolerability, with changes every 4 weeks or more. For primary prevention in high-risk patients: start at 20 mg daily. Regular lipid profile monitoring is required. Use alongside diet and exercise.

Common Side Effects:

• Muscle pain/weakness (myalgia), headache, nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, joint pain (arthralgia), nausea, abnormal liver function tests, insomnia, or elevated creatine kinase. Rare but serious: myopathy/rhabdomyolysis, liver injury, or new-onset diabetes.

Package Type:

• Blister pack (typically 10 or 14 tablets per strip; common pack sizes 10s, 28s, or 30s).

Storage Advice:

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in active liver disease, unexplained persistent elevations in liver enzymes (>3× ULN), pregnancy (Category X—teratogenic), breastfeeding, or hypersensitivity. Use caution in patients with history of liver disease, heavy alcohol use, renal impairment, or on interacting drugs (e.g., fibrates, cyclosporine, certain antivirals). Monitor liver enzymes and CK before starting and periodically. Report unexplained muscle pain/weakness immediately (risk of rhabdomyolysis). Avoid grapefruit juice (increases atorvastatin levels). Not for children under 10 years (limited data).

Product Substitutes:

• Caditor 20mg (Scab Pharmacy)
• Atorvastatin 20mg Exeter/UK/Teva generics
• Lipitor 20mg (original brand)
• Other generics: Atorva, Atorlip, Sortis, or Atorvastatin by various brands (consult doctor/pharmacist).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Exeter Pharmaceuticals

Country of Origin:

• UK