What is Lipitor?
When combined with weight loss and exercise, lipitor can reduce the risk for heart attacks and strokes and the likelihood of needing heart surgery in those who already have heart disease or are at high risk.Lipitor can also be used to reduce the amount of low-density cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, and other fatty substances in the blood. It is also used to increase the level of HDL cholesterol.Children and adolescents 10–17 years old with familial heterozygous high cholesterol (a condition where cholesterol is not removed normally from the body) can also use Lipitor to reduce the amount of cholesterol in their blood.Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, belongs to the class of drugs called HMG-CoA reducetase inhibiters (statins). It slows the production of cholesterol to reduce the amount of cholesterol that can build up in the arteries, block the blood flow, and cause other problems.Atherosclerosis, a condition where cholesterol and fats accumulate along the walls of your arteries, reduces the blood flow to your brain, heart, and other body parts. Lipitor lowers your cholesterol and fat levels in the blood, which can prevent heart disease and strokes.
Warnings
If you have cirrhosis or liver disease, Lipitor is not recommended for you.Lipitor may cause muscle breakdown, leading to renal failure. If you experience unexplained pain or tenderness or if your urine is dark, you should call your doctor immediately.Lipitor can cause serious drug interactions when used with certain medications. Inform your healthcare provider about any new or discontinued medications you are taking.Avoid foods high in cholesterol or fat. Lipitor won't be as effective at lowering cholesterol if you don't follow a diet that lowers cholesterol.Lipitor is part of a comprehensive treatment programme that includes diet, weight management, and exercise. You should closely monitor your diet, medications, and exercise regimens.
Before you take this drug
If you have liver disease or cirrhosis, you should not take Lipitor.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Lipitor will be safe for you:
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Diabetes;
- Stroke;
- A thyroid disorder
- A habit of drinking two or more alcoholic drinks per day.
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
This can happen more often in women, older adults, or people with kidney disease. It is more common in women, older adults, or those with kidney disease, poorly controlled hypothyroidism, or poor control of hyperthyroidism.Atorvastatin can harm a developing baby.Tell your doctor that you're pregnant.Ask your doctor if you can breastfeed safely while taking Lipitor.
How to take Lipitor?
Follow your doctor's instructions and take Lipitor only as directed. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.You should only change the dose of any medication prescribed by your doctor.Lipitor can be taken up to once a day. Please follow your doctor's directions.You can take Lipitor with or without eating.You may need to have frequent blood tests. Tests can be used to determine whether Lipitor works, even if there are no symptoms.Diet, exercise, weight management, and blood tests may be part of your treatment.Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you can. However, if the missed dose is more than 12 hours old, skip the missed dose. Take only one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
For poison assistance, call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate medical help.
What should be avoided?
Lipitor is less effective if you avoid foods that are high in cholesterol or fat.Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver disease.Grapefruit can interact with atorvastatin, causing side effects. Avoid drinking more than 1.2 litres of grapefruit juice per day.
Side effects of Lipitor
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction to Lipitor, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction like a fever, a sore throat, burning eyes, or skin pain or blistering, seek emergency medical attention.Lipitor may cause muscle breakdown, leading to kidney failure. If you experience unexplained weakness, muscle tenderness, or pain, call your doctor immediately, especially if there is a fever, unusual fatigue, or dark urine.Those with kidney or thyroid problems and those taking certain medicines are more susceptible to muscle problems.
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- You may experience muscle weakness in the hips, shoulders, and neck.
- Having difficulty standing or climbing or lifting your arms;
- Liver disorders: fatigue, nausea, dark urine, and clay-coloured stools. Jaundice: yellowing of the skin, eyes, or lips.
- Kidney problems—swelling, feeling tired, short of breath, or urinating more.
- High blood sugar: increased thirst, increased urination, and a fruity breath smell.
Common Lipitor Side Effects
- Pain in your joints, muscles, bones, or spine
- Pain and burning when you urinate
- Muscle spasms
- Upset stomach;
- Sleeping problems;
- Sore throat, stuffy nose, and runny nose
- Diarrhoea, nausea,
- Pain in the arms or legs
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications at the same time. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of the drugs that you are taking, increasing your risk of muscle problems and making them less effective.
Tell your doctor about all medications that you take. Many drugs interact with atorvastatin.
- Other cholesterol-lowering medicines are gemfibrozil (niacin), fenofibrate (fenofibric acid), and others.
- Colchicine;
- Antifungal or antibiotic medicine: rifampin (erythromycin), clarithromycin (itraconazole), ketoconazole (posaconazole), and voriconazole.
- Birth-control pill
- Medicine to prevent organ rejection;
- Antiviral medication to treat hepatitis C and HIV.
This list does not include all possible interactions with atorvastatin. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
