What is Sortis?

• Sortis, which belongs to a class of drugs known as statins, is a medication that is used to lower blood lipids in high-risk individuals.
  
  The lowering of overall blood lipids presents with a decreased risk of heart attack, stroke and heart disease within the body. By lowering the amount of fat and cholesterol found within the blood, better cardiovascular flow to the brain and heart is facilitated.
  
  

Why is Sortis used?

• Sortis is used in patients with high cholesterol and blood triglyceride levels. Along with a lower-fat diet and exercise, Sortis can lower the risk of CVAs, or cardiovascular accidents, in otherwise healthy individuals.
  
  By inhibiting the body's ability to make cholesterol, overall cholesterol levels are reduced. This drug is designed for long-term use by patients at high risk for cardiovascular health issues.
  
  

What are the common side effects associated with Sortis use?

• The most common side effect experienced by new Sortis users is constipation. This usually decreases in severity over time as the patient's body becomes used to the medicine.
  
  Other common side effects include abdominal discomfort and excessive headaches.
  
  Upper respiratory infections, both viral and bacterial, have also been reported. These are usually easily controlled and cured if they should occur.
  
  

What harmful side effects risks are posed with Sortis use?

• If you should experience muscle pain or weakness, symptoms similar to the flu, fever, unusual bruising, nausea or vomiting, consult a doctor.
  
  If you should have trouble breathing, develop a skin rash, have pain in the upper-right portion of your abdomen, experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, have swelling of the face, tongue, hands or feet or have difficulty swallowing, go to the nearest emergency room or dial 911 immediately. These are signs that your kidneys or liver may not be properly metabolizing Sortis, which needs to be addressed immediately.
  
  

Contraindications

• If you are currently taking other statins, hormonal contraceptives, antacids, blood-thinning medicines, antipyrine, digoxin, erythromycin, colestipol or cimetidine, tell your doctor before taking Sortis.
  
  These drugs can have serious adverse reaction when taken alongside Sortis. Talk to your doctor to determine the risks, benefits and possible alternatives to Sortis if you are taking these medicines.
  
  Patients with diseases of the liver or kidneys should only take Sortis under direct doctoral supervision. In most cases, patients with these conditions will not be prescribed Sortis because the risks outweigh any possible benefits.