Cholesterol

Drug Uses

Lipitor is used for lowering blood cholesterol along with a special diet and proper exercise. It helps in reducing harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the body.

Usage

Lipitor must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. But try and take it at the same time each day. You may take it with or without a meal.

Missed Dose

You should try and take your doses on time taking care not to miss any. But if you do miss a dose, then take it as soon as you remember. But ensure that you space out the remaining doses accordingly. Do not take a double dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature and protect it from direct exposure to light and moisture.

Overdose

Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

More Information

If you have a damaged liver, then consult your doctor prior to starting treatment. The drug may cause light-headedness, dizziness, and faintness in some people. Do not consume alcohol along with the drug. It increases your chance of liver damage. Do not drive or handle heavy machinery until you know how to react to the drug.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Lipitor without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease. Before taking Lipitor, tell your doctor if you have a chronic muscular disease, require major surgery, or have a blood disorder. You may not be able to take Lipitor, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Lipitor is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Lipitor is known to cause birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy. Do not take Lipitor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Lipitor passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Possible Side Effects

Although side effects from Lipitor are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

gas
stomach pain or cramps
diarrhea
constipation
heartburn
headache
blurred vision
dizziness
rash or itching
upset stomach
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
muscle pain
tenderness
muscle cramps or weakness with or without a fever.

More Information

Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of atorvastatin and other similar medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or flulike symptoms or yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking atorvastatin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
decreased urine or rust-colored urine; or
blurred vision.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take atorvastatin and talk to your doctor if you experience
headache;
upset stomach or flatulence; or
a rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also