Atorvastatin and taking antibiotics

[theminiaturist]

I take Atorvastatin and have recently been given the antibiotic erythomycin.The GP advised me to stop taking the statin whilst taking the antibiotic.Could anyone enlighten me as to why I was told this?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Unfortunately some antibiotics and statins do not mix well. It is further complicated that an antibiotic that reacts badly with Atorvastatin may be fine with a different statin. I was prescribed Amoxicillin when I had a nasty infection last December. Whilst it can be taken with Atorvastatin there can be issues with Warfarin. Not easy is it?

If you are on a 5 or 7 day course things should be fine but if the period extends ask your GP about alternative antibiotics/statins.

[Healthyheart1]

Hi, erythromycin and atorvastatin when taken together increase the blood levels of atotvastatin. It can lead to side effects such as liver disease among other serious side effects. Hope this goes some way to helping you understand.