Avas
Avas Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Avas is a brand name. Its generic name is Atorvastatin Calcium.
Avas Overview
Avas (Lipitor) is a medication used to treat high cholesterol and atherosclerosis. It belongs to the class of drugs known as statins and is available in tablet form. The drug works by inhibiting the production of cholesterol in the body.
Uses For Avas
Avas is used to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, and to increase "good" cholesterol (HDL). It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications associated with coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis.
Mechanism of Action
Avas works by targeting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is responsible for producing cholesterol, fats, and other lipids in the body. By blocking this enzyme, Avas is able to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Avas typically starts to take effect within two to four weeks, however the full effect may take up to 12 weeks. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take the medication as prescribed.
Absorption
Avas is generally well absorbed and the peak plasma concentration is typically achieved within 2 to 4 hours post administration.
Route of Elimination
Avas is metabolized in the liver and eliminated by the kidneys. Approximately 75% of an oral dose of Avas is excreted in the feces.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of Avas is 10-80 mg per day. The dose must be determined by your doctor based on your individual needs, and it can be adjusted further based on your response to treatment and lab values. The maximum dose of Avas should not exceed 80 mg per day.
Administration
Avas should be taken orally once a day. It can be taken with or without food. It is important to swallow the tablet whole without crushing, splitting, or chewing it.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Avas include headache, muscle pain, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Serious side effects may include liver damage, rhabdomyolysis, and an elevation in liver enzymes. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Toxicity
Avas is generally well tolerated at the recommended dosage. Overdose of Avas may lead to an elevation of liver enzymes which may cause serious liver damage.
Precautions
Before taking Avas, tell your doctor if you have any history of liver or kidney disease, alcohol abuse, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not stop taking Avas without consulting your doctor.
Interactions
Avas may interact with certain other medications, including cyclosporine, niacin, and antacids. Before taking Avas, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications you are taking, including herbal remedies and supplements.
Disease Interactions
Avas may interact with certain diseases or medical conditions, including liver, kidney, or muscle disease, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. Tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions before taking Avas.
Drug Interactions
Avas may interact with certain other medications, including cyclosporine, niacin, and antacids. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications you are taking, including herbal remedies and supplements.
Food Interactions
Avas may interact with certain foods, including grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Avas.
Pregnancy Use
Avas should not be used by pregnant women unless it is clearly necessary. If it is necessary, the lowest effective dose should be taken. Women should talk to their healthcare provider about the risks and benefits before using the drug.
Lactation Use
Avas is excreted in breast milk and therefore should be used with caution in nursing women. It is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding unless it is clearly necessary.
Acute Overdose
An overdose of Avas is unlikely to cause life-threatening symptoms, however it can lead to an elevation of liver enzymes which may cause serious liver damage. If you think you have overdosed, seek medical attention immediately.
Contraindication
Avas is contraindicated in individuals with active liver disease, hypersensitivity to the drug, or a history of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. It should also not be used by pregnant women unless it is clearly necessary.
Use Direction
Avas should be taken orally once a day, with or without food. It is important to swallow the tablet whole without crushing, splitting, or chewing it. It is very important to take at the same time each day and to not skip doses.
Storage Condition
Avas should be stored at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). It should be kept away from light and moisture and in a tightly sealed container.
Volume of Distribution
Avas has a relatively low volume of distribution (~2.6 L/kg). This means that the drug is not widely distributed throughout the body.
Half Life
Avas has an elimination half life of 14 hours. This means that it takes 14 hours for the drug to be reduced to half of its original concentration in the bloodstream.
Clearance
Avas has a systemic clearance rate of approximately 18 mL/min/kg. This means that the drug is cleared from the bloodstream at a rate of 18 mL per minute for every kilogram of body weight.
Here you find in details version of Avas
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Avas
1. What is Avas?
Atorvastatin calcium is a prescription medication used to treat high cholesterol and other conditions in adults and children ages 10 and older.
2. What are the side effects of Avas?
Common side effects of Atorvastatin calcium include headache, nausea, muscle pain, and constipation. Serious side effects may include severe allergic reactions, liver damage, and uncontrolled bleeding.
3. Who should not take Avas?
Atorvastatin calcium should not be taken by people who have active liver disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medication.
4. How long does it take for Avas to work?
Atorvastatin calcium may take up to 4 weeks to reach its full effect. However, it may take longer depending upon the individual's response to the drug.
5. Is Avas safe to take long-term?
Atorvastatin calcium has been tested and found to be safe to take over the long term, though it should be taken as directed by a doctor and monitored regularly.
6. How often should I take Avas?
Atorvastatin calcium is usually taken once a day. It is important to take the dosage prescribed by a doctor and follow any other instructions they may give.
7. What should I do if I miss a dose of Avas?
If a dose of Atorvastatin calcium is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. If it is near the time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose taken on time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
8. Does Avas interact with other medications?
Atorvastatin calcium can interact with certain medications and supplements, leading to potential side effects. It is important to check with a doctor or pharmacist about any other medications being taken when starting or stopping atorvastatin calcium.
9. Is Avas safe for children?
Atorvastatin calcium is approved for use in children ages 10 and older. Safety and effectiveness in children under 10 have not been established.
10. What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to Avas?
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Atorvastatin calcium may include rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.
11. Is Avas a statin?
Yes, Atorvastatin calcium is a type of cholesterol-lowering medication known as a statin. Statins work by blocking a specific enzyme in the liver that helps produce cholesterol.
12. How should Avas be stored?
Atorvastatin calcium tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Capsules should be kept in the original container they came in and should not be exposed to excessive heat or moisture.
13. Does Avas cause weight gain?
Atorvastatin calcium has not been linked to significant weight gain. However, if weight gain is experienced, it should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible.
14. Is Avas covered by insurance?
Atorvastatin calcium may be covered by some insurance plans or may be available through a discount card or coupon. It is important to speak with a doctor and insurance company to understand coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs for the medication.
15. Can Avas cause elevated blood sugar?
Atorvastatin calcium may cause elevated blood sugar levels in some people, though this is considered a rare side effect. In people diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels closely when taking this medication.
16. Does Avas cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not a common side effect of Atorvastatin calcium. However, if significant or sudden hair loss is experienced, it should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible.
17. Is Avas safe for the elderly?
Atorvastatin calcium has been tested and found to be safe for use in the elderly. However, elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects of the medication and doses may need to be adjusted.
18. Does Avas lower triglycerides?
Atorvastatin calcium has been shown to be effective in reducing triglyceride levels in the blood. It is important to take it as directed by a doctor and to have triglyceride levels closely monitored.
19. Can Avas cause joint pain?
Joint pain is a rare side effect of Atorvastatin calcium and may be caused by the drug's effect on cholesterol levels in the body. If joint pain is experienced, it should be reported to a doctor immediately.
20. Can Avas be used to treat high blood pressure?
Atorvastatin calcium is not approved to treat high blood pressure but has been found to help some people with both high cholesterol and high blood pressure. If high blood pressure is an issue, it is important to speak with a doctor about the best treatment options.
21. Is Avas safe for breastfeeding mothers?
Atorvastatin calcium should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers due to potential risks to the breastfeeding infant. If this medication is needed, breastfeeding should be discontinued while taking it.
22. Does Avas cause headaches?
Headaches are a common side effect of Atorvastatin calcium. If persistent or bothersome headaches are experienced, report them to a doctor as soon as possible.
23. Does Avas cause abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is a common side effect of Atorvastatin calcium. It is important to speak with a doctor if persistent or severe abdominal pain is experienced.
24. Is Avas a blood thinner?
Atorvastatin calcium is not a blood thinner but has been shown to help some people with both high cholesterol and atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heart rate that can lead to blood clots.
25. Can I drink alcohol while taking Avas?
Drinking alcohol is not recommended while taking Atorvastatin calcium. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects and may affect the effectiveness of the medication.
26. Does Avas cause liver damage?
Atorvastatin calcium can cause liver damage in rare cases. Regular blood tests should be done to check for this problem, and the medication should be stopped if liver damage is found.
27. Can Avas be used to treat familial hypercholesterolemia?
Atorvastatin calcium has been approved for the treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder in which very high levels of cholesterol are present in the body.
28. Can Avas cause memory loss?
Memory loss is not a common side effect of Atorvastatin calcium. However, if any memory concerns are experienced, it is important to speak with a doctor about them.
29. Does Avas cause muscle pain?
Muscle pain is a common side effect of Atorvastatin calcium. This side effect may be caused by the drug's effect on cholesterol levels in the body. If muscle pain is experienced, it should be reported to a doctor immediately.
30. Can Avas be split in half?
Atorvastatin calcium tablets can be split in half if a lower dosage is needed. However, if a capsule form is being taken, it should not be broken apart as this may affect the drug's ability to dissolve in the body.