Many people aren't receiving the treatment they need

The most effective way to lower cholesterol or low density lipoproteins (LDL-C) is to take a statin – a medicine that works by blocking an enzyme that causes the liver to produce cholesterol. LDL-C is used as the best measure of blood fat (lipid level).

Medical experts recommend statin cholesterol lowering therapy for all people with proven coronary heart disease (CHD), especially those who have had a bypass or angioplasty. Many people with diabetes are high risk and will benefit from being on a statin.

The most effective way to lower cholesterol is to take a statin

Statin cholesterol lowering therapy is also used regularly for familial hypercholesterolaemia.

Cholesterol targets are defined in the New Zealand Cardiovascular Guidelines. It is important to reach these lower targets to reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lipitor Consumer Mandatories:

LIPITOR® (atorvastatin calcium) is a prescription medicine used to lower high cholesterol levels and to help reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Consult your doctor to see if this medicine is right for you. Do not take this medicine if you have liver disease, are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, if you are breastfeeding, or have an allergy to the active ingredient (atorvastatin) or other tablet ingredients. Precautions: people who consume large quantities of alcohol and/or have a history of liver problems; people who have muscle pain, tenderness or weakness; patients who have had a type of stroke called a haemorrhagic stroke or a type of stroke called a lacunar infarct. There are some medicines that may interfere with LIPITOR. These include digoxin, antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin, rifampicin), phenytoin, oral contraceptives, cyclosporin, medicines used to treat HIV infection (efavirenz, protease inhibitors), treatments for fungal infections, diltiazem and other medicines used to treat high cholesterol or triglycerides. Caution should be exercised if a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is administered concomitantly with other drugs that may decrease the levels or activity of endogenous steroid hormones such as ketoconazole, spironolactone and cimetidine. Excessive quantities of grapefruit juice may interfere with LIPITOR. Possible side effects: headache, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, difficulty sleeping and muscle pain, tenderness or weakness. If you have side effects see your doctor. Always read the label and use strictly as directed. LIPITOR® is fully funded under special authority. Contains atorvastatin 10mg, 20mg & 40mg. Further medicine details are available at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Pfizer New Zealand LTD PO Box 3998, Auckland, 0800 675229, www.pfizer.co.nz ®Registered Trademark

New Zealand This website is intended for New Zealand audiences only. The information on this website does not replace the individual advice of a Doctor or Pharmacist. ©2009 Pfizer New Zealand Ltd. Auckland. All Rights Reserved. TAPS Approval: NA1572 R&A110209B