Anyone prescribed Atorvastatin chewable?

[Geoff47]

I have been taking Atorvastatin for several years and always had problems swallowing it. The coating just seems to dissolve as soon as I put the pill in my mouth, and it leaves a vile taste which lasts for hours. I asked my consultant if I could be prescribed a different statin, but he insists Atorvastatin is the best. At the moment I have a throat problem and now find it difficult to swallow any tablets particularly Atorvastin. After some internet research I found that there is a chewable option under the brand name Lipitor, so asked my GP if i could change to this, but she didnt know anything about it and said it wasnt on their drug list. She did however agree to check with the pharmacist. I suspect that the branded Lipitor may be more expensive than generic Atorvastin, so my request may be rejected.

Has anyone here been prescribed Lipitor chewable by their GP in the UK?

[Geoff47]

Thanks for the info. I guess I wont be getting the prescription then!

[Geoff47]

I'm on 40mg tablets. I know they do make the 40mg chewable ones. If they are not on the NHS list does that mean they are not available to prescribe?

[Geoff47 in reply to Geoff47]

Heard from my GP today. Chewable Atorvastatin is "not available" but they changed my prescription to 2 x 20mg tablets as they are smaller and easier to swallow!

[imps4 in reply to Geoff47]

You could ask for 10mg,i cant do tablets either so my 20mg dose was chznged to 2 x 10mg,with a note on the box saying the patient had requested it.

[Hatchjd]

I was switched from Atorvastin 40mg to Resuvastatin 5mg due to stomach issues. Resuvastatin is similar in size to low dose aspirin so much easier to swallow and the cost to the NHS is about the same as Atrovastin.

[MountainGoat52]

Atorvastatin is "the best" because it is the least cost. I was prescribed that for a start and I agree they are a big tablet and they taste absolutely foul. I also got some reflux when exercising and the side effects were dreadful. Simvastatin and Pravastatin had the same effect.

Like Hatchjd, I am now on Rosuvastatin and what a lovely little drug it is - the same size as a 75mg Aspirin. I take 10mg alternate days and it does what is intended with no side effects.

[01371]

Hi My doctor prescribed the chewable Atorvastatin for my mum with no problem. HOWEVER it disgusting to take and she is refusing it. I tried one on my tong is was like the stuff you put on kids nails to stop them biting them, only 10 times worse.

I spoke to 'Lipitor' they said they were unaware of any bitter taste issues when taking the drug and refereed me back to the GP.