Can I take Atorvastatin and Milk thistle extract together?

Caution is advised when taking atorvastati and milk thistle together. Combining them may increase the amount of atorvastatin in your system, increasing the risk of atorvastatin side effects.

Varför detta händer

Milk thistle contains a compound called silymarin. Silymarin can interfere with certain proteins (transporters) and enzymes in the liver that are responsible for breaking down and removing atorvastatin from your body.

If the liver cannot process the statin as quickly as usual, the drug levels can rise.

• Use caution if combining these two medicines.

• If you decide to take milk thistle, monitor yourself closely for any new or unusual muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, as well as any yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

• It is best to inform your doctor or pharmacist before starting milk thistle so they can ensure your statin dose remains appropriate for you.

Graviditet

You must not take atorvastatin if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as it can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Use effective contraception while taking this medicine.

Muscle disorders - atorvastatin

You must report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor immediately, as this can rarely lead to serious kidney damage.

Hormone-sensitive conditions

Avoid milk thistle if you have a history of hormone-sensitive cancers or conditions (such as breast cancer or endometriosis), as it may have oestrogen-like effects that could worsen these conditions.

Grapefruit juice

Grapefruit juice contains compounds that can increase the level of atorvastatin in your blood. This can increase your risk of side effects, such as muscle pain or liver problems.

You should avoid drinking large quantities (more than 1.2 litres daily), but it is safest to avoid it altogether while taking this medicine.

Alkohol

While alcohol does not directly interact with atorvastatin, drinking large amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage and may raise triglyceride levels, which can counteract the benefits of the medicine.

It is advised to keep alcohol intake within recommended limits.

Taking multiple medicines? Our Interaktionskontroll för läkemedel helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Ansvarsfriskrivning

Denna information är endast avsedd för allmän utbildning och bör inte användas som en ersättning för professionell medicinsk rådgivning. Rådfråga alltid din läkare, apotekare eller annan kvalificerad vårdpersonal innan du fattar beslut om dina mediciner. Individuella omständigheter kan variera, och endast en vårdpersonal som känner till din medicinska historia kan ge personlig vägledning.