Indications

Therapy with lipid-altering agents should be only one component of multiple risk factor intervention in individuals at significantly increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia. Drug therapy is indicated as an adjunct to diet when the response to a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol and other non-pharmacologic measures alone has been inadequate.

Interaction

Bleeding and increased prothrombin time with coumarin anticoagulants. May increase the risk of myopathy rhabdomyolysis with HIV protease inhibitors, colchicine, bezafibrate, ciprofibrate or niacin (nicotinic acid), ciclosporin and fluconazole. Reduced bioavailability with concomitant rifampicin.

Contraindications

Acute liver disease or unexplained persistent elevation of serum aminotransferases. Pregnancy and lactation. Avoid admin of two 40 mg conventional cap at one time.

Side Effects

Headache, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, bronchitis, sinusitis, insomnia, fatigue, myopathy, myalgia and UTI. Increased blood creatinine phosphokinase and transaminase.