Jovastatin (Atorvastatin) is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. Jovastatin belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." Jovastatin works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.

Jovastatin may help prevent medical problems (e.g., chest pain, heart attack, or stroke) that are caused by fats clogging the blood vessels. It may also be used to prevent certain types of heart and blood vessel problems in patients with risk factors for heart problems.

Atorvastatin belongs to the group of medicines called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins. It works by blocking an enzyme that is needed by the body to make cholesterol, and this reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take 2 doses of this medicine within 12 hours.

These common side effects of atorvastatin happen in more than 1 in 100 people. Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or don't go away: feeling sick, headache, pain in the back and joints, nosebleeds, sore throat, cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, blocked nose or sneezing, digestive complaints, such as constipation, wind, indigestion or diarrhoea.