Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking atorvastatin as follows:
- Atorvastatin can lead to poor blood sugar control in diabetics and so, can precipitate episodes of elevated blood sugar. Diabetics should closely watch their blood sugar readings and observe compliance with the dietary limitations prescribed. Any consistent exacerbation of blood sugar readings must be reported to the physician, for any changes in plan of care to be considered.
- A lot of nonprescription herbal products and antifungal antibiotics influence the metabolism and consequently, the activity of atorvastatin in the body. This can contribute significantly to risk for toxic side-effects of atorvastatin, such as, hepatic damage and muscle breakdown. So, be sure to mention your physician and pharmacist regarding your history with atorvastatin and check with them regarding safety, in the event you are being started on any new medications.
- Your physician could change the dose of atorvastatin, based on the lab results obtained. So, maintain compliance with follow-up physician appointments and lab draws ordered. Be accommodative to the plan of frequent dose changes, until you show an optimum response.
- If a dose is missed, it should be taken at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Compensating for the missed dose by taking an extra dose can pose serious risk for toxicity and side-effects.
