What Is Lorstat (New Formulation) Used For?

Lorstat contains atorvastatin, which belongs to a group of medicines called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. It helps lower cholesterol levels and protects against heart attacks and strokes.

Primary Uses

Lorstat is used to treat high cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with high blood pressure and coronary heart disease (CHD), or those at risk of CHD. Risk factors include diabetes, history of stroke, or small blood vessel disease. It may also be used to treat high triglycerides in some patients.

How It Works

Lorstat works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by your liver. It lowers ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) and can raise ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL). When you have high levels of bad cholesterol, it can stick to blood vessel walls and form plaques, which can block blood flow and lead to heart attacks or strokes.

How to Take Lorstat (New Formulation)

Take Lorstat exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It should be taken at the same time each day for best results.

Dosage Instructions

The usual dose is between 10-80 mg taken once daily. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water – do not crush or chew them. Lorstat can be taken with or without food. Continue taking it for as long as your doctor tells you to, even if you feel well.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose and it’s less than 12 hours before your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you’re unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• muscle and joint pain
• muscle weakness (especially forearms, thighs, hips, shoulders, neck, back)
• difficulty climbing stairs or standing up from chair
• difficulty lifting arms over head
• falling and difficulty getting up
• constipation or diarrhoea
• stomach pain, nausea
• heartburn, indigestion, wind
• urine infection
• headache
• stuffy or runny nose
• nose bleeds
• rash
• foul, salty or metallic taste

Important Warnings

There are several important situations where Lorstat should not be used or requires special caution.

Who Should Not Take Lorstat (New Formulation)

Do not take Lorstat if you: are allergic to atorvastatin or any ingredients; have active liver disease; are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; are breastfeeding; are taking fusidic acid antibiotic; are taking glecaprevir/pibrentasvir antivirals for Hepatitis C. Do not give to children as safety information is limited.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have: liver or kidney problems; muscle pain, tenderness or weakness from other cholesterol medicines; vision problems, eye muscle weakness or drooping eyelid; history of haemorrhagic stroke or lacunar stroke; breathing problems; regular alcohol consumption. Your doctor will test your liver function before starting treatment.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Do not take Lorstat if pregnant or planning pregnancy – it may affect your developing baby. Women of childbearing age should use proven birth control. Do not breastfeed while taking Lorstat as the active ingredient passes into breast milk and may affect your baby.

Drug Interactions

Several medicines can interfere with Lorstat and affect how it works. You may need different doses or different medicines.

• digoxin (heart problems)
• diltiazem (angina)
• other cholesterol/triglyceride medicines
• antacids (reflux/ulcers)
• antibiotics: erythromycin, clarithromycin, rifampicin, fusidic acid
• phenytoin (epilepsy)
• oral contraceptives
• ciclosporin (immune suppression)
• antifungals: itraconazole, ketoconazole
• HIV/Hepatitis C medicines: efavirenz, fosamprenavir, ritonavir, boceprevir, telaprevir, tipranavir/ritonavir, elbasvir/grazoprevir, simeprenavir
• HCV inhibitors: daclatasvir, ledipasvir
• letermovir
• spironolactone (blood pressure/swelling)
• vitamin B3
• colchicine (joint pain from uric acid)
• ticagrelor (blood clots)

Alcohol & Driving

Be cautious with alcohol consumption and driving while taking Lorstat, as it may cause dizziness in some people.

Alcohol

Avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol. Regular heavy drinking may increase your chance of liver problems from Lorstat. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Lorstat generally doesn’t affect your ability to drive, but may cause dizziness in some people. Be careful driving or using machines until you know how it affects you. If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint when standing up, get up slowly.

Storage

Keep tablets in their original pack/bottle until time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 25°C. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight – don’t store in bathrooms, cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.

Overdose Information

If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Lorstat, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions