Statins are categorised under a group of meds known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists such meds as essential meds; these are chiefly administered for heart-related disorders. Statins are widely prescribed for arteries-related conditions and of course, cardiac problems. Smoking, diabetes mellitus, alcohol drinking and hypertension are some of the risk factors. Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are some of the popular statins. But which is safer atorvastatin or rosuvastatin? It is useful to have needful inputs.
Statins help reduce death rates associated with incidence of cardiac diseases like arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy – to name a few. Your doctor is likely to administer it for reducing blood cholesterol level. Bad cholesterol – or, low density lipoprotein (LDL) – is one of the key triggers for the incidence of cardiac disorders. Drugs belonging to a genre called statins help bring down level of LDL. This action leads to prevention of cardiac disorders, heart attack and / or heart failure.
In this milieu, what is atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is one of the commonly administered statins. Its main function is to treat the presence of lipids in bloodstream. This statin is considered as a first-line medication for managing cardiac conditions. Caregivers also administer it for preventing a heart attack, stroke, chest pain (angina), etc. As an added use, this statin is taken for conditions like myocardial infarction; this drug is used for heart problems in people who have type II version of diabetes.
Atorvastatin
Research done on this drug reveal that regular intake of such meds can decrease cholesterol level by nearly 23%. In-depth studies further indicate that statins such as atorvastatin can decrease low density lipoprotein by nearly 33%. Moreover, atorvastatin can decrease risks of kidney disorders and for treating discharge of proteins along with urinary flow. It is your liver that processes active chemicals used in atorvastatin.
What is rosuvastatin?
This is another statin used for the case management of LDL / bad cholesterol as well as fats. The key ingredients of rosuvastatin can enhance the level of good cholesterol or HDL. This statin functions by reducing the quantum of cholesterol your liver produces; as an added process, it boosts the faster breakdown of fats, especially LDL.
Rosuvastatin
This statin is available in dosages of 5 milligrams (mg) to 40 mg pills. These are administered through the oral route. It is a safe thing to limit the intake of alcohol. Risks of liver repair may turn high when you take a sizable quantum of alcoholic drinks. Your caregiver must know if you are drinking more than 1 glass of an alcoholic drink on a daily basis i.e., prior to using this statin.
Which is safer atorvastatin or rosuvastatin?
Among those who are diabetic, atorvastatin is considered a safer alternative. You also need to be aware that eating grapefruit may have an impact on the absorption level of atorvastatin. The risks are relatively less with rosuvastatin.
Hence, for those who use rosuvastatin – it is not harmful to add grapefruits and its juice to your diet. Grapefruit is a CYP3A4 inhibiting substance. When you take grapefruit, atorvastatin tends to stay back in your body for long. As a precaution, you are advised to speak with a dietitian about statin-friendly diet.
How to use statins safely?
It is not a safe thing to take a few types of statins at night. This precaution is needed for statins that have a lesser half-life. Atorvastatin is known for its lengthy half-life; owing to this, doctors tend to prescribe it during night hours.
Statins may trigger some undesired outcomes. Such adverse effects include softening of muscles, abdominal cramps, muscular repair, etc. On experiencing any such effects, reach out to 911. Residents of a Canadian province can dial Health Canada. To know more on which is safer atorvastatin or rosuvastatin, it is recommended to consult with a caregiver.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.
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