What is Lipitor used for?
ATORVASTATIN is known as a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor or 'statin'. It is used for lowering of the cholesterol and triglycerides levels in blood. This drug may also be used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other health problems for patients in high-risk groups. Diet and lifestyle changes are often used to enchance the effectiveness of this drug.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Lipitor?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- frequently drink alcoholic beverages
- history of strokes, TIA
- kidney diseases
- liver diseases
- muscle aches or weakness
- other medical condition
- an unusual or allergic reaction to atorvastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Lipitor should be taken?
Take it orally accompanied with a glass of water. You can take this medicine with or without food. Your doses should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed.
Consult with your pediatrician regarding the possibility of the use of this medicine by children. This drug may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years old for selected conditions, provided that certain precautions are applied.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Lipitor?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Lipitor with the other medicine/food/etc?
This medicine should never be taken with any of the following drugs:
- medicines for the fungal infections like itraconazole, voriconazole
- other medicines for high cholesterol
- red yeast rice
- telithromycin
It may also trigger possible interactions with the following:
- alcohol
- antacids
- birth control pills
- certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin
- cyclosporine
- digoxin
- diltiazem
- fluconazole
- grapefruit juice
- imatinib, STI-571
- ketoconazole
- medicines for treating the HIV infection
- nefazodone
- verapamil
This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.
Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking Lipitor?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check-ups. You may also need regular tests to ensure that your liver is working properly.
Let your doctor or health care professional know right away if you are experiencing any unaccountable muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also experiencing fever and tiredness symptoms.
This drug is a part of the total healthy heart program. Your doctor or dietician should be able to suggest you a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to help to the treatment course. You should avoid alcohol drinks and smoking, while also keeping a proper exercise schedule.
You should never use this drug when you are pregnant or breast-feeding. There is a possibility of a serious side effects to an unborn child or an infant. Refer to your doctor for more information.
If you are planning to have a surgery, let your health care professional know that you are taking this drug.
Does Lipitor have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
- dark urine
- fever
- joint pains
- muscle cramps, pain
- redness, blistering, skin peeling or loosening, including inside the mouth
- trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
- unusual weakness or feeling tired
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- constipation
- heartburn
- stomach gas, pain, upset
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I keep Lipitor?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.