Atorvastatin (RZ)

What it is used for

An adjunct to diet for the treatment of patients with hypercholesterolaemia. Prior to initiating therapy with atorvastatin, secondary causes of hypercholesterolaemia (e.g. poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinaemias, obstructive liver disease, other drug therapy and alcoholism) should be identified and treated. Hypertensive patients with multiple risk factors for CHD which may include diabetes, history of stroke or other cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease or existing asymptomatic CHD (see Actions, Clinical trials, Prevention of cardiovascular disease) to reduce the risk of nonfatal MI and nonfatal stroke. These effects do not replace the need to independently control known causes of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity such as hypertension, diabetes and smoking.