Summary
Atorvastatine Mylan is a statin medicine available in 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg tablets. It reduces cholesterol and triglycerides, lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke. Its use is associated with possible side effects such as muscle cramps, liver issues, and a small increase in the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Although Mylan merged with Pfizer’s Upjohn division in 2020 to form Viatris, the Mylan name still appears on packaging for regulatory and branding reasons.
Context and Scope
This account is based on the official Atorvastatine Mylan leaflet originally provided in Dutch, summarized and translated into English. It covers the drug’s purpose, dosage, restrictions, precautions, side effects, and storage instructions, together with its connection to diabetes and muscle cramps. It also explains the corporate transition from Mylan to Viatris and why the Mylan name remains on packaging in Europe.
Exhaustive Narrative of Facts
Leaflet and Drug Overview
Atorvastatine Mylan belongs to the class of medicines called statins. These medicines lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The leaflet covers film-coated tablets in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg.
Medical Use and Restrictions
The medicine is prescribed to lower blood lipids and to prevent cardiovascular disease in patients at risk. It must not be used by people allergic to atorvastatine or any of its ingredients, by those with active liver disease or unexplained liver test abnormalities, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is also contraindicated with certain medicines, such as ciclosporine.
Precautions
Patients with liver disease, those who drink a lot of alcohol, or those who have experienced unexplained muscle pain or weakness should be cautious. A family history of muscle disorders increases the need for vigilance. People with diabetes or at risk of diabetes should be monitored closely, because atorvastatine can raise blood sugar levels and, in some patients, may lead to the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Dosage and Administration
Treatment usually begins with 10 mg once daily. Depending on patient response, the dose can be increased up to 80 mg per day. The tablets should be swallowed whole with water, with or without food, preferably at the same time each day. Patients should never exceed the maximum daily dose.
Missed Dose and Stopping
If a dose is missed, the next scheduled dose should be taken at the usual time. Patients should not double the dose to make up for one missed. Treatment should not be stopped without medical advice.
Possible Side Effects
Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 patients) include nose and throat pain, allergic reactions, headache, nausea, digestive issues, muscle or joint pain, and increased blood sugar. Uncommon side effects (up to 1 in 100) include dizziness, tiredness, skin rash, itching, weight gain, and high blood pressure. Rare side effects (up to 1 in 1000) include liver inflammation, jaundice, and muscle weakness or breakdown, known as rhabdomyolysis. Very rare side effects (fewer than 1 in 10,000) include severe allergic reactions, serious liver damage, and severe muscle disorders. Muscle cramps, which are painful involuntary contractions, may occur and can signal more serious muscle damage in rare cases. Immediate medical attention is required if such symptoms develop, especially when accompanied by weakness or dark urine.
Storage Instructions
The tablets should be stored in their original packaging, kept out of sight and reach of children, and not used after the expiry date indicated.
Regulatory and Corporate Details
The leaflet was last revised in July 2023 and applies in multiple European countries, including the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, and Ireland. Mylan is listed as the manufacturer. In November 2020, Mylan merged with Upjohn, a division of Pfizer, creating Viatris. Despite the merger, packaging with the Mylan name continues to circulate for several reasons: regulatory registrations are still under Mylan’s name, stock manufactured before the merger remains in distribution, legal entities such as Mylan B.V. operate under the Viatris umbrella, and brand recognition helps maintain patient and doctor confidence.
Translation and Corrections
The leaflet was originally in Dutch and has been summarized and translated into English. The English word cramp was translated into Spanish as calambre.
Practical Takeaways
- Atorvastatine Mylan lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- The maximum daily dose is 80 mg and should not be exceeded.
- The medicine must not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in combination with certain medicines.
- Atorvastatine can slightly raise blood sugar and may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in some patients.
- Muscle cramps and unexplained muscle pain or weakness can be early signs of rare but serious conditions such as rhabdomyolysis and require immediate medical attention.
- Packaging still carries the Mylan name even after 2020 because of regulatory approvals, existing stock, legal continuity, and brand recognition, although the company now operates globally as Viatris.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 