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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Wednesdaythat it has approved the first generic version of the world'stop-selling medicine, the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor(atorvastatin), currently marketed by Pfizer Inc. Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited, India's largest pharmaceuticalcompany, has gained FDA approval to make generic atorvastatincalcium tablets in 10 milligram, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg strengths.The tablets will be made by Ohm Laboratories in New Brunswick, NewJersey, says the FDA. A statement from Raxbaxy says Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc, a whollyowned subsidiary of Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd, will be marketing thegeneric atorvastatin in the US. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluationand Research, told the press the agency was "working very hard" toensure patients get generic drugs as fast as the law will permit: "This medication is widely used by people who must manage theirhigh cholesterol over time, so it is important to have affordable treatmentoptions," said Woodcock. The FDA notes that: "Generic drugs approved by FDA have the same high quality andstrength as brand-name drugs. The generic manufacturing andpackaging sites must pass the same quality standards as those ofbrand-name drugs." People with high cholesterol usually have a greater chance ofdeveloping heart disease . High cholesterol comes with no signs or symptoms, so many peopledon't know they have it. Not all cholesterol is bad. There are three types worth noting forhealth reasons: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-densitylipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides. HDL, the so-called "good" cholesterol, actually helps preventcholesterol building up on the insides of our arteries. LDL, theso-called "bad" cholesterol, is the one that sticks to arterywalls, leading to build up which obstructs blood flow and increasesthe risk of heart attack . Triglycerides are linked to hardening of the arteries. Atorvastatin, like other statins, lowers cholesterol in the body byblocking an enzyme produced by the liver. It is recommended for usewith a low fat diet that lowers circulating LDL cholesterol andtriglycerides. However, the drug also raises HDL cholesterol, thusproducing a double effect. Trials show that in people with heart disease, or risk factors forheart disease, atorvastatin reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes , certain types of heart surgery and chest pains. Risk factors forheart disease include age, low HDL, smoking, high blood pressureand family history of early heart disease. The most common side effects, found in trials for Lipitor, areinflammation of the nasal passages, pains in the joints, diarrhea , and urinary tract infection. Written by Catharine Paddock PhD Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today Additional References Citations. I am an expert from medical-hospitalbeds.com, while we provides the quality product, such as Folding Stretcher Manufacturer , Hospital Furniture Chairs, Hospital Electric Beds,and more.
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