* Generic Name: atorvastatin calcium
* Brand Name: Lipitor
* What is atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
* What are the possible side effects of atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
* How should I take atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Lipitor)?
* What happens if I overdose (Lipitor)?
* What should I avoid while taking atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
* What other drugs will affect atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
* Where can I get more information (Lipitor)?
What is atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
Atorvastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase
inhibitors, or "statins." Atorvastatin reduces levels of "bad"
cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and
triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good"
cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).
Atorvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol, and to lower the risk
of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in people
with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk
factors.
Atorvastatin is used in adults and children who are at least 10 years
old.
Atorvastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the
breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure.
Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain,
tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual
tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Also call your doctor at once if you have:
* pain or burning when you urinate;
* liver problems--upper stomach pain, weakness, tired feeling,
loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of
the skin or eyes); or
* kidney problems--little or no urinating, swelling in your feet or
ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.
Common side effects may include:
* joint pain;
* stuffy nose, sore throat;
* diarrhea; or
* pain in your arms or legs.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about atorvastatin
(Lipitor)?
You should not take atorvastatin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding,
or if you have liver disease.
Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you
become pregnant.
Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used
together with atorvastatin. Tell each of your healthcare providers
about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop
using.
In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the
breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call
your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness,
or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and
dark colored urine.
Lipitor Patient Information including How Should I Take
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atorvastatin
(Lipitor)?
You should not use atorvastatin if you are allergic to it, or if you
have:
* liver disease; or
* if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do
not use if you are pregnant. Stop taking atorvastatin and tell your
doctor right away if you become pregnant Use effective birth control to
prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine.
Atorvastatin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby.
Do not breast-feed while you are taking atorvastatin.
To make sure atorvastatin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
ever had:
* liver problems;
* muscle pain or weakness;
* kidney disease;
* diabetes;
* a thyroid disorder; or
* if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.
Atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of
skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may
be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney
disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Atorvastatin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years
old.
How should I take atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
recommended.
Atorvastatin is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Take
the medicine at the same time each day.
Do not break an atorvastatin tablet before taking it.
You may need to stop using atorvastatin for a short time if you have:
* uncontrolled seizures;
* an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium
levels in your blood);
* severely low blood pressure;
* a severe infection or illness; or
* surgery or a medical emergency.
It may take up to 2 weeks before your cholesterol levels improve, and
you may need frequent blood tests. You may not notice any change in
your symptoms, but keep using the medication as directed. Your blood
work will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with
atorvastatin.
Atorvastatin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also
include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your
doctor's instructions very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Lipitor Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol Levels Slideshow
Lowering Cholesterol:15 Tips for Avoiding Heart Disease
Lowering Cholesterol Slideshow Pictures
RxList
High Cholesterol Quiz
What happens if I miss a dose (Lipitor)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
your next dose is less than 12 hours away. Do not take extra medicine
to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Lipitor)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Atorvastatin
will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not
follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may
increase your risk of liver damage.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with atorvastatin and
lead to potentially dangerous effects. Avoid drinking more than 1 liter
of grapefruit juice while taking atorvastatin.
What other drugs will affect atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
Certain other drugs can increase your risk of serious muscle problems,
and it is very important that your doctor knows if you are using any of
them. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you
start or stop using, especially:
* antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
* birth control pills;
* cholesterol-lowering medication;
* heart medication; or
* medicine to treat HIV or AIDS.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with atorvastatin,
including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
medication guide.
Where can I get more information (Lipitor)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about atorvastatin.
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