Atorva 10: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also known as: Atorva, Atorva 10 mg, Atorva 10 tablet, Atorvastatin 10 mg
Atorva 10 is a prescription tablet containing 10 mg of atorvastatin, used to lower cholesterol in the blood and, in people at higher risk, to lower the chance of a heart attack or stroke. It belongs to a group called statins. It is taken only on a doctor's prescription, is usually taken once a day for a long time, and must not be started or stopped without a doctor. It is not recommended in pregnancy.
- Active ingredient
- Atorvastatin 10 mg
- Type of medicine
- Statins
- Used for
- High cholesterol
- Starts working in
- Starts to lower cholesterol within a few weeks; a blood test shows the effect
- Effect lasts
- Works only while you keep taking it; cholesterol rises again if it is stopped
- With or without food
- Can be taken with or without food; follow the label or your doctor's advice
- Alcohol
- Heavy drinking can harm the liver; ask your doctor what is reasonable
- Pregnancy
- Not recommended; tell your doctor if you are or may be pregnant
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- Zydus Healthcare
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
- What is Atorva 10 used for?
- How does Atorva 10 work?
- How to take Atorva 10
- Side effects of Atorva 10
- Who should be careful
- Medicines and things that interact with Atorva 10
- If someone takes too much
- Storage
- Regulatory status in India
- Other brands with the same medicine
- Other strengths and forms
- Common questions
What is Atorva 10 used for?
Atorva 10 is a prescription medicine. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to lower cholesterol and to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Lowering raised LDL ('bad') cholesterol and other blood fats, alongside a healthy diet
- Lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart or blood vessel problems in people at higher risk, for example with diabetes or other risk factors, or who already have heart or blood vessel disease
How does Atorva 10 work?
The liver makes most of the body's cholesterol, using an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase. Atorvastatin blocks this enzyme, so the liver makes less cholesterol and takes more LDL cholesterol out of the blood. Over time this lowers the amount of cholesterol that can build up in artery walls.
What happens in your body after you take it
You swallow the tablet
The tablet dissolves in the gut and atorvastatin is absorbed into the blood. It can be taken with or without food.
It goes to the liver
Atorvastatin is mainly taken up by the liver, which is where the body makes most of its cholesterol and where the medicine does its work.
It blocks cholesterol production
Inside liver cells, atorvastatin blocks the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, the key step in making cholesterol.
The liver pulls cholesterol from the blood
With less cholesterol made inside, liver cells put more LDL receptors on their surface and remove more LDL cholesterol from the blood.
Cholesterol levels fall
Blood cholesterol falls over a few weeks. The liver breaks down atorvastatin and it is removed mainly in the bile. The effect stops if the medicine is stopped, so it is usually taken long term.
How to take Atorva 10
Take Atorva 10 exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
- It is usually taken once a day, at about the same time each day.
- It can be taken with or without food. Follow the label or your doctor's advice.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
- High cholesterol usually gives no symptoms, so you may feel well. Do not stop taking it on your own; talk to your doctor first.
- Your doctor may ask for blood tests from time to time to check cholesterol and the liver.
- Avoid large amounts of grapefruit juice unless your doctor says it is fine.
Side effects of Atorva 10
Most people take atorvastatin without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Headache
- Feeling sick, wind, constipation or diarrhoea
- Aching muscles or joints
- Sore throat or a blocked or runny nose
- Trouble sleeping
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially with fever or dark urine (a rare muscle breakdown called rhabdomyolysis). Get medical help immediately
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools or severe stomach pain (possible liver problems)
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Extreme thirst, passing urine much more often, or feeling very tired (possible raised blood sugar)
- Memory loss or confusion (rare)
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking Atorva 10, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to atorvastatin or any ingredient of the tablet
- Active liver disease or severe liver failure
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: it is not recommended. If you could become pregnant, talk to your doctor about contraception. If you become pregnant, tell your doctor straight away
- Liver disease, or a past liver problem with a statin
- Muscle problems, or a past muscle problem with a statin or similar medicine
- An underactive thyroid that is not treated, kidney disease, or heavy alcohol use: these raise the risk of muscle problems
- Diabetes or a high risk of it: statins can raise blood sugar a little, but the benefit usually outweighs this
- Older age: the risk of muscle problems is higher
- Surgery or dental work: tell the doctor or dentist that you take it
Medicines and things that interact with Atorva 10
Atorva 10 can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies.
- Antibiotics such as clarithromycin or erythromycin, and antifungals such as itraconazole or ketoconazole: they raise atorvastatin levels and the risk of muscle damage
- Ciclosporin: raises atorvastatin levels and the risk of muscle damage
- Gemfibrozil and other fibrates, and niacin at high doses: more risk of muscle problems
- Colchicine (a gout medicine): more risk of muscle problems
- Rifampicin and the herbal remedy St John's wort: they may lower the effect
- Warfarin: blood clotting may need closer checks
- Large amounts of grapefruit juice: raises the level of the medicine in the blood
- Alcohol: heavy drinking can harm the liver
If someone takes too much
Taking one extra tablet by mistake is unlikely to be serious. If someone has taken much more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you. Muscle pain or dark urine afterwards needs urgent medical help.
Storage
Store below 30 C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture, in the original strip, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient atorvastatin is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Atorva 10 contains atorvastatin only.
Other brands with the same medicine
Atorvastatin 10 mg tablets are sold under other brand names and as generic medicines. They contain the same medicine; check the label for the strength. Some Atorva products also contain other medicines, so do not switch between them without asking your doctor.
Other strengths and forms
Atorvastatin is sold in different strengths, and in combination tablets or capsules with other medicines. The strength and contents are printed on the pack and are not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
Is Atorva 10 a prescription medicine?
Yes. Atorvastatin is a prescription-only medicine in India. It should be taken only if a doctor has prescribed it, and it should not be started, stopped or changed without the doctor's advice. Keep taking it as directed even when you feel well.
Why do I need Atorva 10 if I feel fine?
High cholesterol usually causes no symptoms, but over the years it helps fatty deposits build up in the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Atorva 10 helps only while you take it. Do not stop on your own, even if your test is normal.
Can I take Atorva 10 during pregnancy?
It is not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are planning a baby, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop it without speaking to your doctor first.
What should I do if I get muscle pain on Atorva 10?
Tell your doctor promptly, especially if the pain is unexplained, severe or comes with weakness, fever or dark urine. Rarely, statins damage muscle. Your doctor may check a blood test and decide what to do. Do not stop or change the dose yourself.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Atorva 10?
Take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and carry on as usual. Never take two doses together to make up for a missed one. If you often forget, ask your doctor or pharmacist for tips.
Can I take Atorva 10 with food or at night?
It can be taken with or without food. Doctors usually advise taking it at about the same time every day. Follow the label or your doctor's advice about when to take it.
Can I eat grapefruit or drink alcohol with Atorva 10?
Large amounts of grapefruit juice can raise the level of atorvastatin in the blood, so avoid them unless your doctor says it is fine. Heavy drinking can harm the liver. Ask your doctor what is reasonable for you.
What is the difference between Atorva 10 and Atorvastatin 10 mg?
Atorva is a brand name, and atorvastatin is the medicine inside it. Generic atorvastatin 10 mg tablets contain the same active ingredient. Check the strength and ingredient list on the pack, and ask your doctor before switching products.
Sources
- Atorvastatin: a medicine to lower cholesterol. NHS (UK)
- Statins. NHS (UK)
- Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) tablets: prescribing information (revised 2024). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- Atorvastatin: MedlinePlus Drug Information. MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- ATC/DDD Index: C10AA HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
- The Drugs Rules, 1945 (consolidated, September 2024 edition), Schedule H: prescription drugs. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)