Pharmacy/Medication

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Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 1/2/2004


Question
I have been taking Atorvastatin (80mg one a day) for 4 years.

And will have to take them for the the rest  of my life.

Will this drug have any bad effects on me after taking them for such a long period?

Many Thanks

Roy

Answer
Dear Roy

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) it is usual to take these drugs for life. The main problem with these drugs is the development of muscle problems but after four years it is exceedingly unlikely that you are going to have any adverse effects. However, nobody will guarantee that you will not. The benefits of the statins outweigh their problems.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith

Pharmacy

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Dr Alan Galbraith

Expertise

I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.

Experience

I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.

Organizations
Institute of Biology, London.


Publications
Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.

Education/Credentials
BSc(Hons);MSc;PhD;MIBiol; Cert Biol; HECert

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