Medicine Information

Advast

Name: Advast
Brand: Advast
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet5 mgLipid-lowering agent (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor)ATC: C10AA05

Generic Name

Atorvastatin

Manufacturer

Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
advast 5 mg tablet	৳ 10.00	৳ 100.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Advast 5 mg Tablet contains Atorvastatin, a medication used to lower high cholesterol levels and triglycerides in the blood. It belongs to a group of medicines called statins. It is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems.

Uses & Indications

Primary hypercholesterolemia (heterozygous familial and nonfamilial)

Mixed dyslipidemia

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

Prevention of cardiovascular events in high-risk patients

Dosage

Adults

Initial dose usually 10 mg once daily, adjusted based on LDL-C response, max 80 mg/day. 5 mg might be used for very mild cases or specific conditions where lower doses are indicated.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment needed based on age alone. Use with caution in patients ≥70 years due to potential increased risk of myopathy.

Renal_impairment

No dose adjustment needed for renal impairment.

How to Take

Take orally once daily, with or without food, preferably at the same time each day. Do not crush or chew the tablet; swallow it whole.

Mechanism of Action

Atorvastatin selectively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes the early rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. This inhibition reduces cholesterol synthesis in the liver, leading to an upregulation of LDL receptors and increased clearance of LDL cholesterol from the blood.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Lipid-lowering effects observed within 2 weeks, maximal by 4 weeks.

Excretion

Primarily via biliary excretion after hepatic metabolism.

Half life

Approximately 14 hours (active metabolites contribute to 20-30 hours).

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed, peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours. Bioavailability approx. 12-14%.

Metabolism

Primarily hepatic by CYP3A4, forming active ortho- and parahydroxylated metabolites.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases
Pregnancy
Lactation
Hypersensitivity to Atorvastatin or any component of the formulation

Drug Interactions

Niacin

Increased risk of muscle side effects.

Warfarin

May slightly increase INR; monitor closely.

Cyclosporine

Concomitant use increases atorvastatin exposure significantly, increasing risk of myopathy.

Oral Contraceptives

May increase plasma concentrations of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone.

Gemfibrozil, other fibrates

Increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, itraconazole, protease inhibitors)

May increase atorvastatin plasma concentrations, increasing risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

No specific antidote. In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive measures should be taken. Hemodialysis is unlikely to significantly enhance atorvastatin clearance.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to potential harm to the fetus or infant. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets (1x10 strip)30 tablets (3x10 strips)

Shelf Life

Typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture. Refer to the specific product packaging for exact expiry details.

Availability

Available in pharmacies and hospitals

Approval Status

Approved by DGDA

Patent Status

Patent expired

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Atorvastatin has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials, including large-scale primary and secondary prevention studies (e.g., ASCOT-LLA, MIRACL, TNT, AVERT, REVERSAL), demonstrating its efficacy in reducing LDL-C and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality across various patient populations.

Lab Monitoring

Liver function tests (ALT/AST) before starting treatment and periodically thereafter, or as clinically indicated.
Lipid panel (LDL-C, HDL-C, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides) to assess treatment response and guide dose adjustments.
Creatinine kinase (CK) if muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness occurs, or before treatment in high-risk patients.

Doctor Notes

Emphasize the importance of lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise) alongside pharmacotherapy for optimal lipid management.
Monitor liver function tests at baseline, 3 months after initiation or dose escalation, and then periodically as clinically indicated.
Educate patients to report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness immediately, and assess CK levels if symptoms occur.
Carefully review concomitant medications for potential drug interactions, especially with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, cyclosporine, and fibrates.

Patient Guidelines

Take Advast exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily.
Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, even if your cholesterol levels improve.
Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor immediately.
Avoid consuming large amounts of grapefruit juice while on this medication.
Inform your doctor about all other medications and supplements you are taking.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

Advast generally has no influence on the ability to drive or use machines. However, some side effects like dizziness may occur, which could affect concentration in susceptible individuals. Exercise caution until you know how the medicine affects you.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a healthy, low-cholesterol and low-fat diet.
Engage in regular physical activity as advised by your doctor.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to improve cardiovascular health.
Manage blood pressure and diabetes, if applicable, in conjunction with your doctor.