Description:

Atorvastatin 40mg Film Coated Tablets is a generic statin medication used to lower high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) and triglycerides in the blood. It reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications in patients with high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, or risk factors for heart disease. It works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme in the liver responsible for cholesterol production. .

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a valid doctor’s prescription in Ghana).

Therapeutic Category:

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor (Statin / Lipid-lowering agent).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Atorvastatin Calcium 40 mg (equivalent to 40 mg atorvastatin) per tablet.

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, titanium dioxide, and other film-coating agents. The tablets are white to off-white, film-coated, and usually oval or round.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant: Atorvastatin 40mg tablets by Hillcross (high-strength variant). Related variants: 10mg, 20mg, and 80mg strengths.

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallowed whole with water; do not crush or chew).

Directions/Usage:

• Adults: Usually 10–80 mg once daily (40 mg is a common maintenance dose).
• Taken at any time of the day, with or without food (preferably at the same time daily).
• Often used long-term. Do not stop suddenly without doctor’s advice.
• Should be combined with a low-cholesterol diet and exercise.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (myalgia)
• Headache
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Elevated liver enzymes (detected in blood tests)
• Joint pain

Serious (rare but important): Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis), liver problems, or allergic reactions.

Package Type:

Blister pack of 10, 14, or 28 tablets (commonly 10 or 28 tablets per pack) in a carton.

Storage Advice: Store below 25–30°C in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and light. Keep in the original blister pack. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in active liver disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and hypersensitivity to atorvastatin.
• Caution in patients with history of muscle disorders or taking other interacting drugs (e.g., fibrates, certain antibiotics, antifungals).
• Regular blood tests (liver function and lipid profile) are required during treatment.
• Report unexplained muscle pain, dark urine, or yellowing of eyes/skin immediately.
• Avoid excessive alcohol and grapefruit juice while on treatment.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Product Substitutes:

• Lipitor (original brand by Pfizer)
• Atorvastatin 40mg by other manufacturers (e.g., Sandoz, Crescent, Vega, Letap, etc.)
• Other statins such as Rosuvastatin or Simvastatin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist in Accra for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Hillcross Pharmaceuticals (or Hillcross brand by a generic manufacturer). Marketed and distributed in Ghana by local importers and pharmacies.

Country of Origin:

India.