The atv40 pill is the white, oval, film‑coated atorvastatin calcium 40 mg tablet—a prescription statin used to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk, most commonly seen with the imprint “APO” on one side and “ATV40” on the other from Apotex formulations. In many markets, including India, this strength corresponds to widely used atorvastatin 40 mg brands such as Atorva 40 and similar equivalents for treating high cholesterol and preventing heart disease.
What is atv40?
The term atv40 most commonly refers to atorvastatin 40 mg tablets identifiable by the “APO ATV40” imprint on white, oval tablets measuring about 14 mm, supplied by Apotex and used under the statin class of medicines.
Atorvastatin works by inhibiting HMG‑CoA reductase to reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while modestly raising “good” HDL cholesterol, thereby lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Pill identification
Tablets with the imprint “APO ATV40” are white, oval, roughly 14 mm, film‑coated, embossed “APO” on one face and “ATV40” on the other, confirming atorvastatin 40 mg strength. Pill‑image catalogs also list a “ATV 40” imprint for atorvastatin 40 mg among common visual variants across manufacturers, assisting confirmation when packaging is unavailable.
Key uses
Atorvastatin 40 mg is indicated for primary hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia, familial hypercholesterolemia, and for cardiovascular risk reduction in appropriate patients as part of a comprehensive lipid‑lowering strategy.
Clinically, the 40 mg strength is commonly chosen when a reduction in LDL‑C greater than about 45% is required based on baseline risk and treatment goals.
How it works
Atorvastatin competitively inhibits hepatic HMG‑CoA reductase, decreasing cholesterol biosynthesis and upregulating LDL receptors to enhance LDL clearance from the bloodstream.
The net effect is lower LDL and triglycerides and a modest increase in HDL, translating to reduced atherosclerotic cardiovascular events when used with lifestyle measures.
Dosage and administration
The usual atorvastatin dosage range is 10–80 mg once daily, with or without food, taken at a consistent time each day for adherence. Initiation at 40 mg can be appropriate when high LDL reduction is needed, with lipid levels typically reassessed after dose changes to guide titration.
Side effects
Common effects include headache, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea, and muscle‑related symptoms like myalgia, most of which are mild and transient in many people. Serious but uncommon adverse effects include significant liver enzyme elevations and myopathy/rhabdomyolysis, warranting medical attention if persistent unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine occurs.
Warnings and precautions
Atorvastatin should not be used during pregnancy, and legacy labeling for the APO ATV40 product lists it as not for use in pregnancy (formerly “Category X”) given potential fetal risk with no expected benefit in this setting. Liver disease is a key contraindication, and prescribers often check baseline and periodic liver function and lipid panels during therapy to ensure safety and efficacy.
Drug interactions
Clinically significant interactions occur with certain immunosuppressants and HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., cyclosporine, lopinavir/ritonavir, atazanavir), which can raise atorvastatin levels and increase myopathy risk, requiring avoidance or careful medical management. Healthcare providers also review broader interacting medicines and dietary factors during prescribing to minimize adverse effects and optimize lipid control.
Practical guidance
Tablets are typically swallowed whole once daily and should not be chewed, crushed, or broken unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional based on the product’s form factor and clinical judgment.
If doses are missed, standard statin advice applies per the product information or prescriber guidance, alongside continued lifestyle measures to support lipid control.
Storage and handling
Store tablets at room temperature away from heat and light, and keep them out of reach of children to maintain potency and prevent accidental ingestion. Pharmacy‑supplied blister packs or bottles should be kept in their original containers to protect from moisture and ensure correct identification by imprint and labeling.
Pill‑ID recap
- Imprint: “APO” on one side, “ATV40” on the other, confirming atorvastatin 40 mg in Apotex‑labeled products.
- Color/shape/size: White, oval (elliptical), approximately 14 mm, film‑coated tablet.
- Visual variants: Some pill catalogs show “ATV 40” among 40 mg atorvastatin imprints across different manufacturers.
When to seek medical advice
Immediate evaluation is warranted for symptoms of severe muscle injury or liver issues, such as persistent muscle pain with weakness, dark urine, or signs of jaundice, as these may indicate rare but serious adverse reactions.
Those who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should consult a clinician promptly because statins are not recommended during pregnancy and require individualized counseling regarding risks and alternatives.