Lipitor

atorvastatin

Lipitor (atorvastatin) is used for lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients. It also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good") cholesterol levels. It is used along with an appropriate diet. It is used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, chest pain caused by angina, or blood vessel blockage. It is also used in certain patients to reduce the risk of hospitalization for congestive heart failure, or the need for medical procedures to open blocked heart blood vessels. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

What is Lipitor?

Lipitor is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, also known as a "statin". It works by reducing the production of certain fatty substances in the body, including cholesterol.

Before taking Lipitor

Some medical conditions may interact with Lipitor. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have low blood pressure, a serious infection, or a history of seizures
• if you have metabolism, hormonal, or electrolyte problems
• if you drink alcohol or have a history of liver problems or alcohol abuse
• if you have recently had major surgery, a serious injury, or a stroke

How should I take Lipitor?

Use Lipitor as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Lipitor by mouth with or without food.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at the same time you take Lipitor. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the risk of side effects from Lipitor. Talk to your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while taking Lipitor .
• Continue to take Lipitor even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Lipitor, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lipitor.

Lipitor side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Lipitor.

Side effects may include: abdominal pain, abnormal heartbeat, accidental injury, allergic reaction, arthritis, back pain, bronchitis, chest pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, flu symptoms, fluid retention, gas, headache, indigestion, infection, inflammation of sinus and nasal passages, insomnia, joint pain, muscle aching or weakness, nausea, rash, stomach pain, urinary tract infection, weakness

Precautions

Lipitor may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lipitor with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Drinking alcohol daily or in large amounts may increase the risk of liver problems with Lipitor. Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are taking Lipitor. Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.

Drug interactions

If you take Lipitor with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lipitor with any of the following:

• Antacids
• Clofibrate
• Colestipol
• Cyclosporine
• Digoxin
• Drugs that suppress the immune system
• Erythromycin
• Fenofibrate
• Fluconazole
• Gemfibrozil
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Niacin
• Oral contraceptives

Preganacy

Developing babies need plenty of cholesterol, so this cholesterol-lowering drug should never be used during pregnancy. In fact, your doctor is unlikely to prescribe Lipitor if there is even a chance that you may become pregnant. If you do conceive while taking Lipitor, notify your doctor right away. Lipitor does make its way into breast milk, so you should not take the drug while breastfeeding your baby.

Overdose

Although no specific information about Lipitor overdose is available, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Lipitor, seek medical attention.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Lipitor. If you have any other questions about Lipitor, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.