Avas Warnings

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, like some other lipid-lowering therapies, have been associated with biochemical abnormalities of liver function. Liver function tests should be performed before treatment starts at 6 and 12 weeks after initiation of therapy or elevation in dose and periodically thereafter. Liver enzyme changes generally occur in the first 3 months of treatment with Avas. Patients who develop increased transaminase levels should be monitored until the abnormalities are resolved. Should an increase in ALT or AST of >3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) persists, reduction of dose or withdrawal of Avas is recommended. Atorvastatin should be used with caution in patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a past history of liver disease.
Avas therapy should be temporarily withheld or discontinued in any patient with acute serious condition suggestive of a myopathy or having a risk factor predisposing to the development of renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis (eg, severe acute infection, hypotension, major surgery, trauma, severe metabolic endocrine and electrolyte disorders and uncontrolled seizures).