Atova EZ 20/10

Atova EZ 20/10 is a medicine used to treat high cholesterol. It is a combination of two medicines that reduces "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats) levels. Atova EZ 20/10 can be taken with or without food. You should take it regularly at evenly spaced intervals as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Taking it at the same time every day will help you remember to take it. The dose and duration of treatment will depend on what you are being treated for. Do not stop taking it until you have finished the complete course, even when you feel better. You can help this medicine work better by making a few changes to your lifestyle such as keeping active, stopping smoking, eating a healthy low-fat diet and exercise regularly. Nausea, stomach pain, constipation, and muscle pain are some common side effects of this medicine. These are usually mild but let your doctor know if they bother you or last more than a few days. Let your doctor know if you notice yellowing of skin or eyes, unusually dark urine or dark stools as it might be symptoms of liver damage. You may be asked for regular monitoring of blood sugar level, and liver function while taking this medicine. Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have any kidney or liver problems or high blood pressure. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. You should also let your healthcare team know all other medicines you are taking as they may affect, or be affected by this medicine.

Uses of Atova EZ 20/10

• High cholesterol

Side effects of Atova EZ 20/10

Common

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Increased liver enzymes
• Increased glucose level in blood

How to use Atova EZ 20/10

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Atova EZ 20/10 may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Atova EZ 20/10 works

Atova EZ 20/10 is a combination of two medicines: Atorvastatin and ezetimibe. Atorvastatin is a lipid-lowering medicine which prevents your body from making "bad" cholesterol (LDL) while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL) levels. Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor which prevents absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. Together, they provide better reduction of cholesterol in your body.

Quick Tips

• You have been prescribed Tonact EZ Tablet for the treatment of high cholesterol.
• Take it in addition to regular exercise and low-fat diet to lower levels of fat in the blood.
• It can be taken with or without food.
• Notify your doctor if you experience muscle symptoms (pain or weakness), particularly if accompanied with fever.
• Notify your doctor if you experience stomach pain, loss of hunger, a sick feeling or dark urine.

Brief Description

Indication

Hypercholesterolaemia, Primary Hyperlipidemia

Administration

May be taken with or without food.

Adult Dose

Oral Hypercholesterolaemia Adult: Per tablet contains atorvastatin 10 mg and ezetimibe 10 mg: Usual starting: 1 tablet once daily.

Child Dose

Safety and efficacy not established

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity; active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevated liver function tests. Pregnancy and lactation.

Mode of Action

Atorvastatin competitively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme that catalyses the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate which is an early rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Ezetimibe inhibits the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine, thus decreasing the delivery of intestinal cholesterol to the liver.

Precaution

Hepatic impairment; patients consuming substantial quantities of alcohol with a history of liver disease. Not recommended for use in children <10 yr. Lactation: Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants, women taking this drug should not breast feed. Contraindicated in breastfeeding women.

Side Effect

1-10% Increased ALT (5%),Increased AST (4%),Musculoskeletal pain (4%),Abdominal pain (3%),Nausea (3%),Arthralgias (3%),Muscle weakness (2%),Dizziness (2%),Hyperkalemia (2%),Hot flushes (2%),Coughing (2%),Bronchitis (2%),Sinusitis (2%)

Pregnancy Category Note

Pregnancy Category: X Lactation: Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants, women taking this drug should not breast feed. Contraindicated in breastfeeding women.

Interaction

Atorvastatin: Increases digoxin levels; increases anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Avoid the combination of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and fibrates. Ezetimibe: Cholestyramine decreases AUC of ezetimibe by approx 55%; ciclosporin may increase ezetimibe levels. Potentially Fatal: Antacids decrease atorvastatin levels; colestipol decreases atorvastatin plasma levels; propranolol decreases antihyperlipidaemic activity of atorvastatin.