Atorvastatin

Cancer cells function differently from normal cells because they are much more reliant on the sugars (glucose), fats and cholesterol in the blood in order to reproduce.  Scientific data suggests that the growth of the cancer can be influenced by lowering glucose, fat and cholesterol.  

This information is about a statin currently used to treat high cholesterol called atorvastatin. However scientific data suggests that this group of medications can additionally benefit patients suffering from cancer.   

This information should be read with the information leaflet contained inside the drug box. 

You will see your doctor regularly during your treatment so they can monitor your progress and manage any side effects experienced.  

Version 1.0 (Created December 2013) 

CHOLESTEROL 

Cholesterol is a waxy fat like substance sourced from the diet and also made in the liver. It is found in normal cells and is used to help digest fats, strengthen cell walls and is carried around the body via the blood. Cholesterol and fats are carried in your blood by proteins, and when the two combine they are called lipoproteins, more specifically, LDLs (low density lipoprotein) and HDLs (high density lipoprotein). LDL’s carry cholesterol and fats from your liver to the cells that need it. If there is too much cholesterol for the cells to use, it can build up in the artery walls, leading to disease of the arteries. For this reason, LDL cholesterol is known as "bad cholesterol". HDL carries cholesterol and fat away from the cells and back to the liver, where it is either broken down or passed out of the body as a waste product. For this reason, it is referred to as "good cholesterol" and higher levels are considered better. 

WHAT IS ATORVASTATIN? 

Atorvastatin is a drug that decreases the production of LDL cholesterol by blocking the action of the enzyme in the liver (called HMG-CoA reductase) that is responsible for its production. Cancer cells have elevated LDL receptors which take the cholesterol into the cells, consequently providing the cancer cells with the necessary lipids to reproduce and grow. The cancer can be affected by reducing the level of LDLs which impacts the production, proteins and cell membranes required for the cancers daughter cells. 

WHEN IS IT GIVEN? 

Atorvastatin is an oral tablet to be taken once a day. You will need to take atorvastatin every day on a long-term basis (unless otherwise directed by your doctor). This is because if you stop taking it, your cholesterol levels will rise. 

Atorvastatin tablets should be taken once a day. They can be taken at any time of day, either with or without food. 

Your doctors will discuss the dosages and length of treatment appropriate for you. Atorvastatin can be given as a lifelong treatment, or for as long as it is controlling your cancer. 

SIDE EFFECTS 

Each person reacts differently to any medication and a large proportion of patients experience no side effects whilst taking Atorvastatin. Below is an outline of the most common side effects, a full list including those that are rare will be provided with the drugs each time they are supplied.  Your doctor may prescribe concurrent medications to counteract your side effects if required. 

Nausea and Vomiting 

Diarrhoea 

Digestive problems 

Stomach Ache 

Loss of Appetite 

Muscle Aches and Pains 

Nose Bleeds 

Headaches 

This is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects so you should carefully read the information leaflet that comes with your medication. If you find certain side effects particularly troublesome you should call the clinic and your dose may need to be adjusted or you may need a different type of statin. 

While side effects can sometimes be troublesome it is important to also appreciate the very real benefits statins do provide 

These side effects are most likely to happen at the start of treatment. They usually last for a short time; it may help you to take the dose with or after a meal. 

Your cholesterol levels will be checked regularly. 

THINGS TO REMEMBER 

 Atorvastatin may interact with other medicines; ensure you inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking including complementary therapies, vitamins and herbal drugs. 

 Store at room temperature out of the way of children. 

 If you forget to take a tablet, skip that dose and wait till you are due your next dose. 

 Remember to get a new prescription at least two weeks before your tablets run out.  

 If you stop taking your medications do not throw them away, return to the clinic or pharmacy. 

REFERENCES 

Gallagher. J (2013) Cholesterol fuels breast cancer [online] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-25142026 [accessed 2/12/13]. 

Singh. S and Singh. P (2013) Statin a day keeps cancer at bay, World Journal of Clinical Oncology, 4(2), 43-46. 

Version 1.0 (Created December 2013) 

Hindler. K, Cleeland. C, Rivera. E and Collard. C (2006) The Role of Statins in Cancer Therapy, The Oncologist, (11) 306–315. 

British Medical Association and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (2013) British National Formulary, BMJ Publishing Group, 66th Edition, pp168-170.